Norton Launches AI-Powered Deepfake Protection for Mobile Users

Norton's New Deepfake Protection Tool

Norton, a leading Cyber Safety company and part of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), has unveiled a groundbreaking AI-powered Deepfake Protection tool integrated into its Norton Genie AI Assistant. This innovative feature, designed to combat the growing threat of manipulated digital content, is now available on Norton 360 mobile applications for Android and iOS devices 1

Understanding Deepfakes and Their Implications

Deepfakes, which involve digital alterations of individuals to appear as different persons, have become a significant concern in various contexts. These manipulations often involve face or head swapping and are frequently used to spread political misinformation or create misleading adult content 1

. As AI-generated voices and faces become increasingly difficult to distinguish from genuine content, the line between truth and deception in digital media is blurring rapidly 2

How Norton's Deepfake Protection Works

The new tool operates by analyzing both audio and visual components of content for indicators of manipulation. It provides contextual protection by:

Identifying inconsistencies or subtle deformations in physical features of individuals within videos
Detecting AI-generated voices, which are often employed in fraudulent schemes 1
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If a harmful deepfake is detected, the Genie AI Assistant provides conversational Cyber Safety guidance and suggestions on appropriate actions to take 2

Availability and Future Plans

Currently in its early access phase, the Deepfake Protection feature is available to users who download the Norton 360 applications on Android and iOS devices in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand 1

. At present, the tool functions exclusively with English-language YouTube videos when accessed through Norton's mobile applications 1

Norton has outlined plans to expand the tool's capabilities in future updates, including:

Support for additional languages
Integration with other video platforms
Wider range of desktop operating systems 1
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Later this year, deepfake protection for AI PCs will extend to devices powered by Intel chipsets, and more advanced detection capabilities will be available on both desktop and mobile platforms 2

Industry Perspective

Leena Elias, Chief Product Officer at Gen, emphasized the importance of this technology: "As AI-generated voices and faces become harder to distinguish from the real thing, trust is rapidly becoming one of the most fragile elements of our digital lives. This is why we've made our deepfake protection accessible to people who don't have AI hardware, so they can confidently navigate and consume digital content without second-guessing what they see or hear" 2

Broader Implications

The introduction of Norton's Deepfake Protection tool represents a significant step in the ongoing battle against digital misinformation and fraud. As AI technologies continue to advance, the need for robust detection and protection mechanisms becomes increasingly crucial to maintain trust in digital content and safeguard users from potential scams or manipulation.