This chapter examines the ethical and political implications of deepfake technology, a form of synthetic media generated through generative artificial intelligence (GAI). Deepfakes, which can simulate highly realistic audio, images, and video, are increasingly difficult to distinguish from authentic content. As the technology becomes more accessible, its uses have expanded—raising critical concerns about privacy, consent, and the manipulation of public discourse. This study explores two particularly problematic domains: the creation of non-consensual pornographic content and the use of deepfakes in political contexts. In both cases, individuals are depicted in scenarios they never consented to, often resulting in reputational harm, emotional distress, and the erosion of public trust. Drawing from contemporary debates in applied philosophy of language and ethics of technology, the paper argues that deepfakes should be assessed not only by their content but also by the communicative acts they perform. These acts—such as silencing, defaming, or humiliating—are ethically objectionable, even when the media in question is fabricated. Furthermore, the paper addresses the structural challenges posed by the global nature of digital platforms and the lack of adequate legal frameworks, highlighting the need for international collaboration in regulating these technologies. The analysis culminates in a three-part ethical framework for evaluating deepfake use: (1) informed consent from those depicted, (2) a morally legitimate purpose (e.g., artistic, therapeutic, or educational), and (3) safeguarding of fundamental rights such as dignity, privacy, and identity. Rather than advocating for a wholesale ban, the paper calls for nuanced ethical, cultural, and legal standards to ensure that the transformative potential of GAI is harnessed responsibly in democratic societies.

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How to do things with Deepfakes. Problematic Uses of Generative Artificial Intelligence

  • Tomás Balmaceda,
  • Laura F. Belli,
  • Diana I. Pérez

摘要

This chapter examines the ethical and political implications of deepfake technology, a form of synthetic media generated through generative artificial intelligence (GAI). Deepfakes, which can simulate highly realistic audio, images, and video, are increasingly difficult to distinguish from authentic content. As the technology becomes more accessible, its uses have expanded—raising critical concerns about privacy, consent, and the manipulation of public discourse. This study explores two particularly problematic domains: the creation of non-consensual pornographic content and the use of deepfakes in political contexts. In both cases, individuals are depicted in scenarios they never consented to, often resulting in reputational harm, emotional distress, and the erosion of public trust. Drawing from contemporary debates in applied philosophy of language and ethics of technology, the paper argues that deepfakes should be assessed not only by their content but also by the communicative acts they perform. These acts—such as silencing, defaming, or humiliating—are ethically objectionable, even when the media in question is fabricated. Furthermore, the paper addresses the structural challenges posed by the global nature of digital platforms and the lack of adequate legal frameworks, highlighting the need for international collaboration in regulating these technologies. The analysis culminates in a three-part ethical framework for evaluating deepfake use: (1) informed consent from those depicted, (2) a morally legitimate purpose (e.g., artistic, therapeutic, or educational), and (3) safeguarding of fundamental rights such as dignity, privacy, and identity. Rather than advocating for a wholesale ban, the paper calls for nuanced ethical, cultural, and legal standards to ensure that the transformative potential of GAI is harnessed responsibly in democratic societies.