Veronica van Hoogdalem: Victim of Deepfakes in Political Debates
amsterdam, dinsdag, 9 september 2025.
In a recent episode of ‘Pauw & De Wit’, the impact of deepfakes in the political arena was discussed. Veronica van Hoogdalem, a well-known politician, was mentioned as a victim of this technology during election campaigns. This incident highlights the growing concern over the use of deepfakes in the media and the need for better detection techniques to ensure the integrity of political debates.
Impact of Deepfakes in the Political Arena
In a recent episode of ‘Pauw & De Wit’, the impact of deepfakes in the political arena was discussed. Veronica van Hoogdalem, a well-known politician, was mentioned as a victim of this technology during election campaigns. The incident underscores the growing concern over the use of deepfakes in the media and the need for better detection techniques to ensure the integrity of political debates [1].
How Do Deepfakes Work?
Deepfakes are created using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. This technology can generate realistic videos and audio clips that are difficult to distinguish from genuine content. In the case of Veronica van Hoogdalem, her image and voice were used to create election propaganda that portrayed her in a negative light. These forgeries can cause significant damage to the reputation of politicians and lead to voter misinformation [GPT].
Detection and Combating Deepfakes
Combating deepfakes requires both technological and legislative measures. Technologically, various methods have been developed to detect deepfakes, such as analysing microexpressions and physiological signals that are not perfectly replicated by AI. Legislation also plays a crucial role. Countries like the United States have enacted laws that prohibit the use of deepfakes for criminal purposes. In the Netherlands, there are no specific laws targeting deepfakes, but there is ongoing discussion about the necessity of such legislation [2][3].
Implications for Media Literacy and Democracy
The use of deepfakes has serious implications for media literacy and democracy. Voters must be able to distinguish reliable news from fake news. Media organisations and educational institutions play a vital role by promoting critical thinking and media analysis skills. Additionally, it is essential that politicians and governments are transparent about their use of digital technology in their campaigns [GPT].
Practical Tips for Readers to Identify Fake News
To identify fake news and deepfakes, readers can apply the following practical tips:
- Check Sources: Always verify the source of the news. Reputable news organisations are known for being accurate and honest.
- Consult Multiple Sources: Compare information from multiple sources to get a nuanced view.
- Critical Thinking: Ask yourself if the story is logical and coherent. Look out for illogical or exaggerated claims.
- Analyse Technical Features: Pay attention to anomalies in videos and audio, such as unnatural movements or sound quality.
- Fact-Checking Websites: Use websites like Full Fact, Snopes, or FactCheck.org to verify claims.
By following these steps, readers can better protect themselves against the threats of fake news and deepfakes [GPT].