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Pyrite or Panic? Deepfakes, Knowledge, and the Institutional Backstop
Research

Pyrite or Panic? Deepfakes, Knowledge, and the Institutional Backstop

Breakthroughs in machine learning over the past decade have made synthetically created audiovisual content, so-called “deepfakes,” both easier to produce, and less discernible from genuine recordings. But there are improved institutional, rather than digital, backstops that can be implemented. 

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By Gavin Wilde
Published on Jun 20, 2025
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Technology and International Affairs

The Technology and International Affairs Program develops insights to address the governance challenges and large-scale risks of new technologies. Our experts identify actionable best practices and incentives for industry and government leaders on artificial intelligence, cyber threats, cloud security, countering influence operations, reducing the risk of biotechnologies, and ensuring global digital inclusion.

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About the Author

Gavin Wilde

Former Nonresident Fellow, Technology and International Affairs

Gavin Wilde was a nonresident fellow in the Technology and International Affairs Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He applies his expertise on Russia and information warfare to examine the strategic challenges posed by cyber and information operations, propaganda, and emerging technologies.

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Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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