For professional fraudsters, the rapid development of deepfake technology must feel like Christmas. Deepfake phishing attempts reportedly rose by 3,000% in 2023, and the ever-increasing accessibility of generative AI tools like Midjourney and OpenAI will do little to reduce that figure in 2024.
If you’ve ever encountered a deepfake video – whether of Tom Cruise dancing in his backyard or the CFO who tricked his employees into handing over $25 million (neither, of course, were the real deal) – then you’ve likely done so on your smartphone. Deepfakes, which use AI to create realistic but fake videos, pose a significant threat to both individuals and organizations. With the widespread use of smartphones, these digitally manipulated videos are more accessible than ever.
Smartphone companies are now facing the challenge of defending against the threat of face-stealing fraudsters. Honor, a prominent smartphone manufacturer, is taking a proactive approach to combat this issue by leveraging AI technology.
Honor has announced plans to equip its latest smartphones with a new AI-powered Deepfake Detection feature. This innovative tool is designed to identify and warn users against digitally manipulated content. The on-device feature will examine frame-by-frame information, including eye contact, lighting, image clarity, and video playback, to detect flaws that are imperceptible to the human eye.
When inconsistencies are identified, the Deepfake Detection feature will trigger a popup that reads: “Honor scam alert. It looks like the other person could be using AI to swap their face.” This real-time alert system aims to protect users from falling victim to deepfake scams, particularly during video calls.
Initially, this tool will be limited to video calls, as it is primarily intended as a defense against scammers. However, there is potential for Honor to expand its capabilities to deepfake-filled social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where manipulated videos are frequently shared.
In addition to the Deepfake Detection feature, Honor is also introducing a new on-device tool aimed at reducing the risk of myopia, or nearsightedness. The AI Defocus Eye Protection feature will essentially transform Honor phone displays into defocus glasses, which intentionally induce controlled defocus in the wearer’s peripheral visual field.
This technology tracks users’ eyesight and adjusts the peripheral areas of the screen to help maintain clear central vision. By doing so, it aims to reduce the risk of nearsightedness, a common issue associated with prolonged screen time.
Honor claims that its AI Defocus Eye Protection technology can “decrease transient myopia by 13 degrees on average after reading for 25 minutes.” This makes it a potentially valuable tool for users who spend significant time reading or viewing content on their smartphones.
Both of these new features were announced at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Shanghai, highlighting Honor’s commitment to integrating advanced AI technologies into its devices. While these features are not yet available for widespread use, they are expected to be exclusive to Honor’s current top-end smartphones, with the possibility of being included in future models.
Honor’s new AI-powered features demonstrate the potential of on-device AI to address real-world problems. By tackling both the threat of deepfakes and the risk of myopia, Honor is positioning itself as a leader in smartphone innovation. The company’s approach not only enhances user security but also promotes eye health, offering practical benefits to its customers.
- Deepfake Detection: A new feature that identifies and alerts users to digitally manipulated content during video calls.
- AI Defocus Eye Protection: Technology that reduces the risk of myopia by inducing controlled defocus in the peripheral visual field.
- MWC Shanghai Announcement: Both features were unveiled at MWC Shanghai and are expected to be available on Honor’s top-end smartphones.
- User Benefits: Enhanced security against deepfake scams and improved eye health through innovative AI applications.
| Feature | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Deepfake Detection | Identifies and alerts users to deepfake content during video calls | Enhanced security against scams |
| AI Defocus Eye Protection | Induces controlled defocus to reduce the risk of myopia | Improved eye health |
| MWC Shanghai Announcement | Unveiled at MWC Shanghai, exclusive to top-end smartphones | Cutting-edge technology integration |
Honor’s introduction of these AI-powered features reflects its dedication to innovation and user-centric design. By addressing emerging threats and health concerns, the company is setting a new standard for smartphone functionality. As deepfake technology continues to evolve, the need for robust detection tools becomes increasingly critical. Honor’s proactive approach not only safeguards its users but also sets an example for the industry.
In conclusion, Honor’s new AI-powered features, Deepfake Detection and AI Defocus Eye Protection, showcase the potential of on-device AI to enhance both security and health. These innovations represent a significant step forward in the fight against digital manipulation and eye strain, offering practical solutions to modern challenges. As these features become available, they are likely to become essential tools for users seeking both protection and wellness in their daily smartphone use.
Featured Image courtesy of DALL-E by ChatGPT