The Weaponisation of Synthetic Media: What Threat Does this Pose to National Security?
Author(s): Matteo Bonfanti
Publisher(s): Real Instituto Elcano
Publication Year: 2020
This article by CSS Matteo Bonfanti explores the national security implications generated by the weaponization of AI-manipulated digital content. In particular, it outlines the threats and risks associated with the employment of hyper-realistic synthetic video, audio, images or texts –generally known as ‘synthetic media’ or ‘deepfakes’– to compromise (influence) targeted decision-making processes which have national security relevance. The author argues that synthetic media would most likely be employed within information and influence operations targeting the public opinion or predefined social groups.