author: Bart Swiatek
Queen Elizabeth II Warns of Deepfakes in False Message
A video showing a false Christmas message from Queen Elizabeth II appeared online. The material was created by the British television Channel 4 and its purpose is to warn against deepfake content.
IN A NUTSHELL:
- A deepfake video created by Channel 4 presents a fictional Christmas message from Queen Elizabeth II of Britain;
- The "person" in the video ridicules the BBC, her family and the Canadians, among others;
- The main purpose of the material is to warn Internet users about fake content on the Internet.
Journalists from British television Channel 4 (in cooperation with experts from VFX Framestore) prepared a fake Christmas message from Queen Elizabeth II. The main task of the video is to warn Internet users against taking for granted similar content found around the Internet. After all, we live in a time when the voice and appearance of practically every person can be falsified in a quite convincing way. Here's a smaple to see for yourself.
You can only see the fraud when you look at the video a little more closely. The CGI roots of the footage can be seen in the overly "fluid" and not entirely natural way of face animation. To be honest, I can't say I'd notice the difference if I didn't knew what I'm looking at - and certainly not at first glance at a video sent by a friend on a relatively small smartphone screen. That's why it's so important to carefully analyze this kind of content nowadays.
"Deepfake technology is the frightening new frontier in the battle between misinformation and truth. This year’s Alternative Christmas Address – seemingly delivered by one of the most familiar and trusted figures in the nation – is a powerful reminder that we can no longer trust our own eyes," said Ian Katz, Channel 4 director.
As for the content of the video itself, there are several jokes and personal jabs, such as to the BBC, which normally broadcasts similar messages, as well as Prince Harry and Princess Meghan, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Canadians. If you decide to watch the video, be sure to stay tuned until the end. I wonder how the real Queen Elizabeth II reacted to this material?