In February 2026, a Tomahawk cruise missile hit an Iranian elementary school, resulting in over 150 fatalities, with most being children. Initially, President Trump hinted that the missile might not have been launched by the U.S., pointing out that Tomahawks are sold to various countries. The incident incited an investigation, and Iran released a video claiming the missile was American.
Hany Farid, a renowned expert on deepfakes, was approached to verify the video’s authenticity. A Dartmouth College professor and co-founder of GetReal Security, Farid faced challenges due to the video’s poor quality. However, using principles of sound, light, and the missile’s size, Farid concluded the video was likely authentic.
Farid expressed concerns over the use of AI in the judicial process, emphasizing the need for transparency beyond relying on computer-generated evidence. His apprehension is heightened by cases like that of Alex Pretti, who was killed by an ICE agent. An AI enhancement of a video frame mistakenly added a gun to Pretti’s hand, illustrating the danger of relying on artificially altered images.
Farid estimates that half of online content is fake, often designed to gain attention rather than inform. He limits his deepfake investigations to significant cases but is overwhelmed by the increasing misuse of AI. Such misuse includes the creation of false identities and deceptive content for misinformation campaigns and corporate infiltration.
He criticizes social media platforms for addictive designs and their detrimental impact on society. A recent Meta settlement introduced a two-hour daily limit for users under 18, which Farid sees as insufficient. He warns against platforms that prioritize false content over truthful information and advocates for reducing social media use.
Looking forward, Farid predicts that AI agents with greater autonomy will independently create deepfakes, intensifying the challenge of distinguishing real from fake. These agents, able to interact and deceive, portend significant implications for society and individual privacy.
Farid foresees a future where AI companions may know people intimately, raising ethical questions about digital immortality and representation. While such technology may appeal to future generations, Farid remains skeptical about its acceptance today.
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