Ben Colman, co-founder and CEO of deepfake detection platform Reality Defender, says such cases are just the “tip of the iceberg.” According to him, companies must take a layered approach to detection because even trained professionals can be fooled without help from detection tools.
Practical Strategies to Detect AI-Generated Imposters
To identify deepfakes or fake identities, especially in recruitment or sensitive settings, consider these layered methods:
✅ AI Imposter Detection Tips:
- Ask for physical interaction: Have the interviewee move their face or hand in front of the camera.
- Remove digital filters or virtual backgrounds: Insist on a natural background during the call.
- Watch body language: Look for unnatural eye movement, emotionless expressions, or lagging responses.
- Use technical verification: Ask candidates to complete random, real-time tasks.
- Check associated email accounts: Look for inconsistencies in domain names or grammatical issues.
- Cross-reference with known events: Are there other sources confirming the story, video, or image?
These tips echo the principles of the SIFT model developed by researcher Mike Caulfield:
- Stop
- Investigate the source
- Find better coverage
- Trace the original context
Read more about SIFT: How to identify AI-generated deepfake images
Real-World Consequences of AI Fakes
Fake media doesn’t just fool individuals—it can destabilize economies and politics. For example, in 2023, an AI-generated image of an explosion at the Pentagon briefly caused a dip in the stock market. The image didn’t even resemble the actual Pentagon but still spread rapidly online.
