Upon receiving a call for a marshal law announcement from a voice he believed to be his country’s president, Hwang Kyo-ahn, the leader of South Korea’s main opposition party, United Future Party (UFP), was shocked. The announcement, it turned out, was a hoax. Hwang initially believed it was a ‘deepfake’ due to its uncanny resemblance to the real voice of the president.
Deepfake technology has advanced significantly over the past couple of years. Deepfakes are AI-generated videos or audios that mimic or impersonate individuals convincingly. Having been on the receiving end of a prank using a deepfake, Hwang expressed his legitimate concerns about the potential misuse of this technology.
On the day of the incident, Hwang received a call from someone who impersonated South Korean president Moon Jae-in, stating the implementation of martial law. Given the recent advancements in deepfake technology and the authenticity of the voice, Hwang admitted he was initially fooled into believing it was a genuine call from the president.
Recognising the implications posed by deepfake technology, especially in the field of politics and national security, Hwang urged stronger measures to combat the potential risks associated with it. The misuse of deepfakes could stir public unrest, disrupt political stability, and even endanger national security.
Beyond the immediate shock and confusion, the incident sheds light on the potential for misinformation and disinformation in our digital age. Deepfakes enable malevolent actors to plant false narratives, stoke fears, and sow discord among the public. The incident involving Hwang highlights the urgency for nations to not only anticipate but also prepare and protect against such forms of cyber manipulation.
The South Korean opposition leader’s experience further underscores the seriousness of the deepfake phenomenon. The technology can often extend far beyond harmless fun or satire to facilitate potential malign intentions, including but not limited to, political manipulation, fraud, and even national security threats.
Despite the ongoing efforts to combat deepfakes, detecting them remains a significant challenge. Technological advancements have made it increasingly difficult to differentiate between genuine and manipulated content. This hoax call incident serves as a timely reminder that more steps must be taken to fight against misuse of deepfake technology.
In response to the incident, Hwang began advocating for policies to tackle deepfake technology misuse and promote digital literacy. He further emphasized how vital it is for governments, technology companies, and individuals to be vigilant and proactive in understanding and countering the potential threats posed
