Advisory Body Warns Meta Over Shortcomings in Deepfake Policy
amsterdam, maandag, 30 juni 2025.
An advisory body has criticised Meta for its lack of action against deepfakes, a technology often used for spreading fake news. The body underscores the seriousness of the situation and calls on Meta to take more measures to combat this form of disinformation, as it can have significant consequences for society and media literacy.
Advisory Body Warns Meta Over Shortcomings in Deepfake Policy
An advisory body has criticised Meta for its lack of action against deepfakes, a technology often used for spreading fake news. The body underscores the seriousness of the situation and calls on Meta to take more measures to combat this form of disinformation, as it can have significant consequences for society and media literacy [1].
Deepfakes and Their Impact
Deepfakes are computer-generated forgeries that can produce realistic videos and audio messages, making it appear as though people are saying or doing things they did not actually do. This technology is often used to create and spread fake news, leading to confusing and harmful information campaigns. The advisory body points out that the dissemination of deepfakes poses a direct threat to the integrity of the media and democratic processes [1][3].
Meta’s Response
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has responded to the criticism from the advisory body. A Meta spokesperson stated: ‘We take these concerns seriously and are working on improvements.’ Nevertheless, the advisory body continues to urge for faster and more effective measures to limit the spread of deepfakes [1].
International Efforts
While Meta faces criticism, other countries are taking steps to combat the spread of deepfakes. For example, Denmark is revising copyright laws to give citizens rights over their own bodies, faces, and voices. This new legislation is designed to strengthen protection against the creation and dissemination of deepfakes [4].
Practical Tips for Identifying Deepfakes
To minimise the impact of deepfakes, experts and organisations such as Graphika and the advisory body offer practical tips for recognising fake news. Here are some key points:
- Look for unnatural behaviour: Watch for unnatural movements, lip movements that do not match spoken words, or abnormal body postures.
- Check the quality: Deepfakes can often be grainy or exhibit artefacts, such as distorted facial expressions or unclear edges.
- Look for consistent details: Check if details such as clothing, background, and context are consistent with known facts.
- Use verification tools: There are various online tools available that can help detect deepfakes, such as those provided by Graphika [5].
Implications for Media Literacy and Democracy
The spread of deepfakes has serious implications for media literacy and democracy. It weakens trust in the media and makes it harder for citizens to distinguish between fact and fiction. Educational institutions and media organisations therefore advocate for more education on media literacy and critical evaluation of information. It is crucial that both individuals and organisations are aware of the threats posed by deepfakes and actively work to combat them [1][3].