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What is a deepfake?
A deepfake is a fake photo, video or voice made by AI that looks or sounds like a real person.
- Category Safety & law
- Also called deepfakes
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
Deepfake, explained simply
A deepfake uses AI to copy someone's face or voice. The result can look real even though the person never said or did it.
Some are made for fun or movies. Others are used for scams, false news or harassment.
To protect yourself, be careful with shocking clips. Check where it came from, look for other sources and trust official accounts.
On ITG Now, our daily AI news stories sometimes cover deepfake scams, new detection tools and rules about fake media.
Related terms
AI watermarkContent CredentialsVoice cloningAI avatarText-to-videoAI regulation
Where you'll see it on ITG Now
Questions people ask about Deepfake
How can I spot a deepfake?
Look for odd blinking, blurry edges or mismatched sound. Also check whether trusted sources report the same thing.
Are deepfakes illegal?
Rules vary by place and use. Scams and harassment are often illegal. This isn't legal advice.
Are all deepfakes bad?
No. Films and satire use similar tools openly. The harm comes from fooling or hurting people.