This has been worrying me for a long time - ever since I became aware that this technology existed and was being deployed.

I only question the thread title.
If as things stand there is apparently no way to distinguish deepfakes from real videos and other represntations (even the false blink test, has been bypassed), when WILL we be "ready" for them?

Having trouble thinking of a future in which we will be protected from the effects of deepfakes. It looks like people with the expertise to design litmus test to debunk them, are out there (first) designing them - and (worse still) finding ways to bypass the identification methods.

(Perhaps as mercenaries, because they are often the same people! Just as those manipulating election outcomes are working on both sides. Likewise, armaments designers' products are sold to both sides in battle.)

How can we successfully persuade such tech-savvy AI people that it's - WRONG - to manipulate public opinion? (That Right and Wrong exist and MATTER!). At present it seems being able to get away with something (something that pays well) justifies tapping that market.

(As affected by the moral Influencer in Chief! )