Protocol and Guidelines for Dealing with Malicious Deep Fakes

Following our deepfakes event we put together these ten protocols and action points:

1. Immediate Incident Reporting and Assessment

- Action: Establish a protocol for immediate reporting of suspected deep fake incidents to a designated response team.

- Guideline: Train employees to recognize potential deep fakes and encourage prompt reporting. The response team should assess the credibility and potential impact of the reported content.

2. Verify Authenticity

- Action: Utilize advanced verification tools and forensic analysis to determine the authenticity of the suspicious content.

- Guideline: Invest in AI-powered deep fake detection technologies and collaborate with external experts if necessary.

3. Containment and Takedown Efforts

- Action: Initiate procedures to contain the spread of the deep fake by requesting takedowns from platforms and social media networks.

- Guideline: Maintain relationships with key contacts at major platforms for expedited removal requests. Monitor the web for further propagation.

4. Legal and Regulatory Actions

- Action: Engage legal counsel to explore options for legal recourse and regulatory reporting.

- Guideline: Be familiar with relevant laws and regulations regarding digital impersonation and defamation. Document all actions and evidence meticulously.

5. Internal Communication and Transparency

- Action: Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders to keep them informed of the situation and response actions.

- Guideline: Provide regular updates to employees, emphasizing the steps being taken to mitigate the impact and prevent future incidents.

6. Public Communication and Reputation Management

- Action: Develop a public relations strategy to address the deep fake incident, including public statements and media engagement.

- Guideline: Be transparent with the public about the deep fake, the measures taken, and the actions to prevent recurrence. Reassure stakeholders and customers of the integrity of the company.

7. Enhanced Security and Monitoring

- Action: Implement enhanced monitoring of digital channels to detect and respond to deep fakes more rapidly.

- Guideline: Continuously upgrade cybersecurity measures and employ real-time monitoring tools to identify potential threats.

8. Employee Training and Awareness

- Action: Conduct regular training sessions for employees on the risks and identification of deep fakes.

- Guideline: Include deep fake awareness in cybersecurity training programs and provide practical examples of how to spot suspicious content.

9. Collaboration with Industry and Authorities

- Action: Collaborate with industry peers, government agencies, and cybersecurity organizations to share information and strategies.

- Guideline: Participate in industry forums and working groups focused on combating deep fakes and related threats.

10. Post-Incident Analysis and Policy Updates

- Action: After resolving a deep fake incident, conduct a thorough analysis to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement.

- Guideline: Update company policies, response protocols, and training programs based on the analysis. Ensure continuous improvement in handling such incidents.