“The development of computer technology has led to an increase in the ability to create video and audio materials from image samples and a citizen’s voice, artificially recreating non-existent events. Previously, attackers also performed, for example, for the purpose of slander, actions such as falsifying photographs, however, modern software and hardware systems, as well as the use of neural networks and artificial intelligence (deepfake technologies, digital masks, etc.), make it possible to create fakes that are almost impossible for a non-specialist to distinguish from reality. The same technologies make it possible to reproduce other biometric personal data,” says the draft law, which has been reviewed by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
“We see how social fraud, associated with the use of different systems and new technologies, is thriving today. There are vulnerable groups of citizens, especially when it comes to representatives of the older generation, for whom mobile phones and digital services are often something new. When they, unsuspectingly, answer questions on the phone from supposed representatives of the bank’s security service or social services, they very often simply fall into the clutches of fraudsters. It is good that there has been targeted advertising lately. To protect our citizens, banks already inform their clients and there is social advertising aimed primarily at citizens of retirement age,” explains Yaroslav Nilov.
He adds that fraudsters understand that the state takes countermeasures for every step they take, so new fraudulent tools are constantly appearing. “We proposed to amend the Criminal Code and clarify some qualifying criteria for attempts to use deepfake technologies for illegal purposes. This concept is not yet spelled out in the legislation, but in essence we understand that these are technologies that allow the use of images or sounds, natural and synthesized, to deceive a person. And sometimes fraudsters take advantage of this and deceive famous people who are smart and conscious of their decisions, even using deep-state technologies, induce emotions and force people to make quick, unconscious decisions that ultimately allow fraudsters to access personal data, then, for example, hack or create fake accounts, and then, according to the scheme, deprive people of funds, property and real estate – not only of the victim himself, but also of relatives and close friends. Sometimes the voice is recorded and subsequently used to create synthesized products,” Nilov notes.
He clarifies that the bill introduces into several articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (slander, fraud, extortion, etc.) an additional qualifying feature for a citizen or group of citizens who commit a crime using deepfake technologies. “In addition, the proposed amendments will provide our law enforcement officers with an additional tool that will allow them to bring criminals to justice or implement operational measures in a timely manner,” the MP says.
Singer Larisa Dolina has previously suffered at the hands of fraudsters. The attackers faked a photo of her with a passport in order to apply for a large loan. And then they resold the singer’s apartment in the centre of Moscow. Now law enforcement agencies are investigating this case.
