As we entered the new year, we predicted that 2025 would see further growth in fraudulent use of deepfake technology, highlighting the need for better ID verification systems.
We’re already seeing our prediction coming true through two stories in the news this month.
Enroly, a software platform used by universities for online applications, reported that it had uncovered a small but concerning number of attempts to use computer-generated images to trick their way through candidate interviews.
The risks for universities here are numerous. Recruitment of unsuitable students risks increasing drop-out rates and reducing academic attainment – causing reputational damage and potential impacts on league table positions.
More seriously, universities can potentially have their licence to sponsor students through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) taken away if the Home Office refuses too many of its applicants.
Meanwhile, the UK government has said that finding ways to address the threat of deepfakes is “an urgent national priority”.
A blog post from the Home Office Accelerated Capability Environment (ACE) described the rise in deepfakes as “scarily rapid” – increasing from 500,000 shared in 2023 to a projected 8,000,000 this year.
ACE says collaboration is key to tackling deepfake fraud, and is working to bring together academic, government and industry experts to develop solutions to the issue.
These developments show that vigilance is key for anyone doing business online.
Here at Videosign, we provide numerous layers of ID verification to give our users the reassurance that they’re talking to a real person – not a computer generated fake.
Our online meeting platform offers various security measures to protect you from deepfake fraud.
Identities of users can be confirmed using biometric data from passports or driving licences, or by using secure banking credentials through our partnership with OneIDⓇ.
But we also know how sophisticated modern scammers can be, so we offer an extra layer of protection through ‘liveness detection’ technology.
The system analyses images to confirm whether they’re genuinely three-dimensional, or just a two-dimensional fake – bringing a level of scrutiny that human eyes can’t match.
As the threat of deepfakes grows, there are two things you can do to protect yourself and your clients from fraud: treat your online interactions with care, and invest in technology with the power to defeat the scammers.
Get in touch today to find out how Videosign can help you to stay safe online.
