Deepfakes Are Getting Real: How to Stay Safe and Use AI Responsibly

Deepfakes are no longer a distant or theoretical concern. As artificial intelligence continues to advance, the quality and realism of AI-generated voices and videos are improving rapidly. What once looked obviously artificial can now appear convincing at first glance or first listen.

This shift changes how trust works in digital communication. A familiar face on a video call or a known voice in a message may no longer be enough to confirm identity. For individuals and organisations alike, learning how to respond thoughtfully to this new reality is essential.

This article builds on our earlier explainer on what deepfakes are and focuses on practical steps you can take to stay safe and use AI responsibly in everyday situations.

If you are new to the topic, our explainer What Are Deepfakes? A Simple Guide Everyone Should Understand breaks down what deepfakes are and why they matter.

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Why Deepfakes Require New Habits

For years, people relied on visual and audio cues to judge authenticity. If someone looked or sounded familiar, that was often enough. AI challenges this assumption.

With access to a small amount of publicly available data, AI tools can now create realistic imitations. These tools are becoming faster, cheaper, and easier to use. This means the burden of verification shifts toward the recipient, not just the creator.

The good news is that staying safe does not require technical expertise. It requires new habits built around responsibility, verification, and data protection.

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Rule One: Use AI Responsibly and Transparently

The first rule applies to anyone who uses AI tools.

If you use AI to generate or modify images, audio, or video, be honest about it. Do not create content that makes a real person appear to say or do something they did not. Avoid using AI to test or surprise friends, colleagues, or family members without their consent.

Always label AI-generated or AI-modified content clearly. Transparency reduces confusion and helps maintain trust. It also sets a positive example for ethical AI use.

Responsible use is not about limiting creativity. It is about understanding the impact of your actions in a world where AI-generated content can be easily misunderstood.

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Rule Two: Be Skeptical When Stakes Are High

The second rule focuses on how you respond to what you receive.

Do not rely on voice or video alone when something important is involved. If a message or call includes requests for money, access codes, confidential information, or urgent actions, pause and verify through another channel.

For example, if a colleague appears on a call asking for a quick transfer, call them back using a saved number. If a voice message asks for sensitive information, confirm it through another app or communication method.

Legitimate requests will survive verification. Scams often rely on urgency and emotional pressure to prevent second checks.

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Rule Three: Protect Your Personal and Professional Data

The third rule is about reducing exposure.

AI systems learn from data. The more high-quality personal data is publicly available, the easier it becomes to imitate someone. Clear voice recordings, detailed videos, and personal information can all be used to train AI models.

Be mindful about what you share publicly. Avoid posting long, clean voice clips unless necessary. Be cautious with public videos that show clear facial angles and expressions. Review privacy settings regularly.

For organisations, this includes protecting employee data and limiting unnecessary exposure of executives and key staff.

Less data online makes impersonation more difficult.

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Common Situations Where Deepfakes Are Used

Understanding typical scenarios helps people recognise when to apply extra caution.

One common situation involves impersonation of managers or executives, often requesting urgent actions. Another involves fake customer support calls asking for login details or verification codes.

Deepfakes can also appear in misinformation campaigns, where fake videos or audio clips are used to create confusion or damage reputations.

Not every unusual message is a deepfake. Awareness helps people pause and assess rather than react automatically.

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Practical Ways to Verify Requests and Communications

Verification does not need to be complex.

Use a second channel to confirm identity. Check context. Ask questions that only the real person would know. Slow down when something feels urgent or unusual.

In professional settings, follow established approval processes. Do not bypass controls because a request appears convincing.

These small steps can prevent serious consequences.

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The Role of Organisations in Deepfake Safety

Organisations play an important role in protecting people from deepfake risks.

Clear policies on AI use help set expectations. Training builds awareness without creating fear. Encouraging verification over speed supports safer decision-making.

Simple safeguards such as multi-person approval for financial actions and clear escalation paths can significantly reduce risk.

Responsible AI use works best when supported by both individuals and systems.

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Balancing Skepticism and Trust

It is important to strike the right balance.

Being cautious does not mean assuming everything is fake. It means recognising that technology has changed what is possible and adjusting behaviour accordingly.

Healthy skepticism combined with respectful verification helps preserve trust rather than undermine it.

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Why Responsible AI Use Protects Everyone

Deepfakes highlight a broader truth about AI. Technology amplifies human intent, both positive and negative.

Responsible AI use helps ensure that AI remains a tool for creativity, efficiency, and collaboration rather than manipulation or harm. Transparency, verification, and data protection are foundational principles that apply far beyond deepfakes.

Each responsible action contributes to a safer digital environment.

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Conclusion: Staying Safe in a World of Convincing AI

Deepfakes are getting more realistic, and that trend will continue. The response does not need to be fear or rejection of AI. It needs to be awareness, responsibility, and thoughtful habits.

Use AI transparently. Verify when stakes are high. Protect your data.

These simple rules empower individuals and organisations to benefit from AI while reducing risk.

If you want more guidance on responsible AI use, deepfake awareness, and practical protection strategies, explore the FabriXAI Responsible AI Hub. Stay smart, stay safe with AI.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Deepfakes and Staying Safe

Q1. How can I tell if a video or voice message is a deepfake?

It is not always possible to tell by appearance or sound alone. When something involves money, access, or urgency, always verify through another trusted channel.

Q2. What should I do if I receive a suspicious request?

Pause and verify. Contact the person using a saved number or a different app instead of replying directly to the message or call.

Q3. Are deepfakes only a problem for public figures?

No. Anyone with photos, videos, or voice clips online can be impersonated. Deepfakes increasingly target everyday people and workplaces.

Q4. Should I stop using AI tools because of deepfakes?

No. AI can be used safely and responsibly. The key is transparency, verification, and awareness of how AI-generated content can be misused.

Q5. What is the most effective way to reduce deepfake risk?

Use multiple verification methods, protect personal data, and avoid relying on voice or video alone for important decisions.

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