Experts Warn of Growing AI Deepfake Threats

Artificial intelligence can be used to create convincing fake images, audio, and videos, putting consumers at risk of scams and abuse.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Experts are sounding the alarm on the growing threat of AI-powered deepfakes, which can be used to impersonate people and create fake content for scams and abuse. While AI has many beneficial applications, the same technology can be misused by bad actors to generate convincing fake images, audio, and videos. Experts are calling for increased consumer awareness and federal regulations to help protect the public from these emerging risks.

Why it matters

As AI technology becomes more advanced and accessible, the potential for misuse is growing. Deepfakes can be used to create nonconsensual pornography, scam loved ones out of money, and even produce fake child abuse material - all with devastating consequences. Without proper safeguards and consumer education, the public remains vulnerable to these emerging AI-powered threats.

The details

Deepfakes are manipulated or generated content created using AI and machine learning. Experts warn that anyone can be impersonated using just a single image and a few seconds of audio. This makes it easy for bad actors to create convincing fake content for scams and abuse, with little technical expertise required. While the technology behind deepfakes is advancing rapidly, federal regulations have not kept pace, leaving consumers largely unprotected.

  • Experts are currently in Washington, D.C. pushing for new nationwide regulations to help protect consumers from deepfake threats.

The players

Ben Colman

CEO and Co-Founder of Reality Defender, a company building models to detect deepfake images, audio, videos and text.

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What they’re saying

“Anybody can be impersonated with a single image and a few seconds of audio using tools that require no technical abilities.”

— Ben Colman, CEO and Co-Founder, Reality Defender

“Our goal with this year is... trying to accelerate nationwide regulations to help protect consumers for tomorrow.”

— Ben Colman, CEO and Co-Founder, Reality Defender

What’s next

Experts are pushing for new federal regulations to help protect consumers from the growing threat of AI-powered deepfakes.

The takeaway

As AI technology advances, the public must remain vigilant against the misuse of deepfakes for scams, abuse, and other malicious purposes. Increased consumer awareness and robust federal regulations are crucial to safeguarding people from these emerging digital threats.