Mon. Dec 23rd, 2024
  1. Limit Publicly Available Recordings

The more recordings of your voice that are available, the easier it is for scammers to create a convincing deep fake. Be mindful of what you’re sharing online, especially on social media. Limit public posts that include your voice, and consider changing privacy settings to restrict who can access your content.

  1. Use Voice Modulation Apps

Consider using voice modulation apps when you need to share audio online. These tools distort your voice in a way that maintains your natural inflections while making it harder for AI algorithms to build a precise model of your voice.

  1. Secure Personal Data

Always secure your personal data. Don’t share sensitive information like your phone number, address, or bank details publicly or on unsecured platforms. Scammers can use this information in combination with a voice deep fake to lend credibility to their schemes.

  1. Two-Factor Authentication

Use two-factor authentication wherever possible. It provides an additional layer of security, making it difficult for scammers to break into your accounts even if they have managed to mimic your voice.

  1. Education

Educate close friends and family members about the existence of voice deepfakes and how to recognize potential scams. They should be aware that unusual requests, especially those involving money, should be verified through other communication methods.

  1. Safeword strategy

Create a safeword within your circle of friends and family, so if it doubt you can ask for the safe word to avoid AI voice scammers.

The Power of AI: Some Shocking Facts

Now that we’ve talked about how to protect yourself from the dangers of AI, let’s highlight some startling facts that illustrate the extent of AI’s capabilities.

  1. Turing Test Surpassed

The Turing Test, developed by British mathematician Alan Turing, is a measure of a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to or indistinguishable from that of a human. In 2014, a chatbot named Eugene Goostman reportedly passed this test by convincing 33% of human judges that it was a 13-year-old Ukrainian boy.

  1. AI-Generated Artwork

In 2018, an AI-generated artwork was auctioned at Christie’s for a shocking $432,500, demonstrating the creative potential of AI. This feat smashed pre-sale estimates and marked a historic moment for AI in the world of art and creativity.

  1. Deepfake Capabilities

Deepfakes have become incredibly sophisticated. In 2019, a deepfake video of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg circulated on Instagram. It featured Zuckerberg making statements he never actually made, highlighting the frightening capability of AI to fabricate believable content.

  1. AI Outperforms Humans

AI has been trained to outperform humans in a variety of tasks. It has won against world champions in games like chess and Go, and has even shown better performance in diagnosing certain medical conditions, illustrating the vast potential of AI in various fields.

Cyber expert, Mark Buinoa from Geonode says:

The power of artificial intelligence is truly awe-inspiring, but with great power comes great responsibility. As the capabilities of AI continue to expand, so does the potential for misuse. As such, it’s crucial to stay informed and take protective measures to safeguard against the potential threats posed by AI, such as voice deepfakes. By doing so, we can enjoy the benefits of AI while minimising its risks.

 

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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