Understanding Deepfake AI and How a Tanjungpura University Student Confronted It
Indonesia is increasingly being targeted as a base for transnational digital crime. The advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) brings both convenience and alarming new threats. One of the most concerning is Deepfake AI. This technology is not only used for entertainment but is frequently misused for criminal activities and electronic-based sexual violence (KSBE).
Deepfake is a media manipulation technology (images, audio, or video) that uses deep learning algorithms to replace a person’s face or voice with another’s in a highly realistic manner. The term is a combination of ‘deep learning’ and ‘fake’. Technically, AI studies thousands of photos or videos of a target to map facial features, expressions, and movements. As a result, perpetrators can create fake videos that appear to show victims performing actions they never actually did, such as appearing in pornographic content or making controversial statements.
A case involving a female student at Tanjungpura University (Untan) in Pontianak serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of this technology. The victim discovered that her private photos had been manipulated using AI technology into indecent content by irresponsible parties. Rather than remaining silent due to shame, the student took decisive steps that serve as an example for other cybercrime victims.
If you or someone close to you experiences something similar, here is a mitigation guide:
Can deepfakes be detected with the naked eye? Some low-quality deepfakes have anomalies in eye blinking or shadows around the neck, but the latest technology is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish without specialised detection tools.
How can you protect profile photos from being used for deepfakes? Set your social media account privacy to ‘Private’ and avoid uploading high-resolution facial photos that clearly show detailed facial features to the public.
Perpetrators spreading deepfake content containing indecency can be prosecuted under the ITE Law Number 1 of 2024 (the second amendment) and the TPKS Law Number 12 of 2022. The legal threats are significant, including imprisonment and fines amounting to billions of rupiah.
Deepfake AI is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it demonstrates technological progress, but on the other, it serves as a weapon for cybercriminals. The courage shown by the Tanjungpura University student in facing this case proves that victims have the legal power to fight back and restore their dignity.