Ofcom has published new research on the prevalence and nature of deepfakes online. Deepfakes are artificial intelligence (AI) generated videos, pictures or audio clips made to look real. The research included interviews with 1,000 children across Great Britain aged 8 to 15-years-old. Findings included: 50% of 8- to 15-year-olds said they had seen at least one deepfake online in the last six months; 20% of 8- to 15-year-olds reported feeling confident in their ability to identify a deepfake; and 32% of this age group reported having encountered a deepfake scam advert.

Illegal deepfakes can have devastating consequences, and are often targeted at women. We’re working at pace to consult on how platforms should comply with their new duties under the Online Safety Act. That’ll include guidance on protecting women and girls.

A deep dive into deepfakes that demean, defraud and disinform - Ofcom