The Intersection of Synthetic Content and Public Safety

1. Impersonation and False Evidence: Synthetic content poses a significant threat to law enforcement investigations and court proceedings. Deviant actors could create deepfake videos or audio recordings that impersonate individuals, making it difficult to discern the truth sowing seeds of doubt. These manipulated materials could be used to discredit witnesses, fabricate alibis, or present false evidence, potentially leading to wrongful convictions or allowing guilty parties to escape justice.
2. Misinformation and Disinformation: Synthetic content can be weaponized as a tool for spreading misinformation and disinformation. In the realm of public safety, this can lead to public panic, hinder investigations, or create false narratives, all which could undermine trust in the justice system. False videos or images could be circulated to incite unrest, discredit law enforcement agencies, defame police officers and prosecutors, or manipulate public opinion in high-profile cases.
3. Privacy and Consent Violations: The creation of synthetic content often relies on the use of personal data and images without consent. In the context of freedoms of speech, this raises concerns about privacy infringement and the potential for widespread abuse. Deviant actors may exploit personal information obtained through legal means to produce synthetic content, compromising the privacy and safety of individuals involved in criminal investigations or witness protection programs.

Legislative Advocacy and a Working Definition

Given the potential harms associated with synthetic content, legislative advocacy is crucial to address this emerging challenge. A comprehensive and robust legal framework should be established to combat the malicious use of synthetic content and protect the integrity of law enforcement and criminal justice processes.

"Synthetic content is distributed media, including but not limited to images, videos, or audio recordings, that has been artificially created, significantly altered, or digitally manipulated using advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence / augmented reality (AI) through deep learning algorithms without a camera or original recording device. Synthetic content is used to mislead, deceive, and / or distort reality and truth with a goal of influencing public opinion, inciting fear or panic, or granting the creator(s) with a tangible or implied social advantage or tangible asset or reward."

The rise of synthetic content presents a complex and multifaceted challenge for global public safety agencies. It demands the attention of legislators, law enforcement agencies, and technology developers to collaboratively devise effective strategies and regulations. By understanding the concept of synthetic content, recognizing its potential impact, and advocating for appropriate legal measures, we can protect the integrity of investigations, preserve public trust, and ensure justice prevails in an increasingly progressive and unprecedented knowledge and information age.