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DeepFakes Are Going to Lead to DeepProblems

What might happen if they start messing with your warning communications or general messaging?

I don't have good solutions for you when it comes to deepfake technology, see Handful of States Begin Legislating "Deepfake" Videos. 

It's likely that emergency management does not have a high enough profile to attract a bunch of attention by folks ginning up video that has yourself or your electeds being misrepresented via technology that makes them appear to be putting out bad information. But, when there is a big disaster, it will draw international attention and you don't know who might have the "deepfake skill" to make your life a living hell.

Dealing with deepfakes will end up being an extension of your rumor control function in an activated Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

Perhaps the best thing you can do today is build up a strong working relationship with your existing media outlets so they can help with "counter deepfake" information. Good luck!

 

Eric Holdeman is a contributing writer for Emergency Management magazine and is the former director of the King County, Wash., Office of Emergency Management.