Deepfake Statistics: 74.3% Fear Election Campaign Impact, VPNRanks Survey Reveals

74.3% of people are highly concerned about deepfakes manipulating public opinion – This striking insight is just one of the top 16 deepfake findings from a recent survey conducted by VPNRanks.

In our survey, 50% of respondents reported encountering deepfake videos multiple times, with 48.6% stating they now question the authenticity of almost every online video. And it’s not just about awareness—65.7% believe that a deepfake released during an election campaign could decisively influence voter opinions.

This report presents key findings captured through survey data and predictive insights derived from historical trends, offering a 2025 outlook and beyond on deepfake incidents. It examines user engagement with deepfakes, advancements in detection, and recent notable cases. Additionally, the report addresses current legal frameworks and resources available to support victims.

Editor’s Pick: VPNRanks’ Key Findings on Deepfake Statistics

VPNRanks deepfake survey data has been analyzed to uncover key findings on current deepfake statistics and trends, while historical data has informed predictions for its developments in 2025 and beyond.

Exclusive Findings on Deepfakes from Survey Data:

50% of respondents have encountered deepfake videos online multiple times.
When asked about their ability to identify deepfakes, 42.9% feel somewhat confident.
37.1% consider deepfakes an extremely serious threat to reputations, especially for creating fake videos of public figures or ordinary people.
Concerns about deepfakes manipulating public opinion are high, with 74.3% extremely worried about potential misuse in political or social contexts.
48.6% report a significant decrease in trust toward online videos or media content due to deepfakes.
The threat of deepfakes affecting public opinion during elections also raised 74.3% of respondents’ concerns.
37.1% have seen a video involving a political figure or election they suspected (and confirmed) to be a deepfake.
65.7% believe a deepfake released during an election campaign would likely influence voters’ opinions.
For professional purposes, such as marketing or entertainment, 30% would consider using deepfake technology.
41.4% feel it’s extremely important for social media platforms to immediately remove non-consensual deepfake content once reported.
45.7% of respondents always verify the authenticity of a video before sharing it with others.

Take the test below to see if you can spot the deepfake.

Predictions for Deepfake Trends in 2025:

A 50-60% rise in deepfake incidents is expected for 2025 and beyond, reaching 140,000-150,000 cases globally.
Deepfake explicit content is projected to hit 4,100 videos, attract 40.25 million monthly visitors, and see a 20% increase in video views.
2024-25 global deepfake-related identity fraud attempts are forecasted to reach 50,000.
Around 20,000 deepfake crime attempts are expected to be detected globally by the end of 2025 due to advancements in detection models.
By 2025, over 80% of global elections could be impacted by deepfake interference, threatening the integrity of democracy.

*Disclaimer: These deepfake findings are based on analyses of various cybersecurity industry reports from the past five years primarily by Statista, HOME SECURITY HEROES, Sumsub, and DeepTrace.

VPNRanks has also made a video revealing that deepfake videos are doubling yearly, highlighting their rapid growth. Advancements in detection technologies are crucial to combating this threat. The video underscores the importance of continued research and collaboration to stay ahead of this evolving challenge.

What is Deepfake?

A deepfake falls under the pervasive umbrella of synthetic media creation that uses artificial intelligence (AI), specifically deep learning algorithms and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), to manipulate or create believable images, videos, or audios that never happened.

The technology can convincingly alter a person’s appearance, voice, or facial expressions, creating highly realistic but fabricated media that can deceive viewers.

According to Home Security Heroes, the total number of deepfake videos online in 2023 is 95,820, marking a 550% increase since 2019. Deepfake videos dominate the number, exceeding 90% of encounters. Deepfake AI images follow at 5-10%, while audio is emerging as a growing concern.

Understanding the Different Types of Deepfakes

Recent advancements in Generative AI (GenAI) have dramatically changed the production and variety of deepfakes, broadening both their applications and potential risks.

GenAI and synthetic content offer exciting possibilities in TV and film, enhancing visuals, creating satirical and entertaining material, and supporting sectors like online safety, training, and healthcare. Deepfakes have also become valuable tools for medical treatment innovation, industry training, and even criminal investigations.

However, not all deepfakes are harmless. Some can cause significant harm, including:

Demeaning Deepfakes: These manipulations falsely depict individuals in compromising scenarios, such as sexual activity, which may be used for extortion or to coerce victims into further exploitation.
Defrauding Deepfakes: By impersonating someone’s identity, these deepfakes facilitate scams, from fake advertisements to romance fraud.
Disinformation Deepfakes: Aimed at spreading falsehoods, these deepfakes influence public opinion on critical issues like elections, health, and international conflicts, amplifying societal and political divides.

This analysis emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, minimizing harmful deepfakes without stifling positive, legitimate uses of GenAI.

What Tech Companies Could Do to Tackle Deepfake Challenges?

Addressing the risks posed by harmful deepfakes requires efforts across the tech industry, from the creators of Generative AI models to the platforms where such content is shared. Here are four key approaches tech firms can consider:

Prevention: Developers can use prompt filters, remove harmful data from training sets, and apply output filters to block inappropriate content.
Embedding: Invisible watermarks and metadata can be added to content, with visible labels for AI-generated uploads.
Detection: Automated and human-led reviews help spot deepfakes, using machine learning trained on known fake content.
Enforcement: Platforms can set guidelines on synthetic content, taking down harmful posts and suspending violators’ accounts.

While none of these measures alone can fully address the deepfake challenge, a multi-layered approach can significantly reduce the spread of harmful content.

Analyzing Deepfakes: Key Trends and Statistical Insights

The 2025 VPNRanks research on the global deepfake landscape begins with insights gathered from an extensive public survey, capturing current perceptions and concerns. Additionally, the study incorporates data from the past five years to inform predictions about deepfake technology and cybercrime trends for 2025 and beyond.

The survey, which gathered significant responses primarily from North America (71.4%) and participants aged 25–34 (38.6%), highlights a serious public perception of deepfake threats. Notably, 40% of respondents rated the threat of deepfakes as very serious for damaging reputations.

These findings are essential for understanding potential future risks and devising strategies to counter the growing use of deepfakes in cyber fraud and reputation harm.

Forecasting Deepfake Incident Rates for 2025

🛡️A 50-60% rise in deepfake incidents for 2025 and beyond is expected, potentially increasing the total to between 140,000 and 150,000 cases globally.

From 2019 to 2023, the trajectory of deepfake incidents has shown a significant rise from early indications of growth to widespread use, particularly in fraud and misinformation.

2019: Emergence and increase in deepfake technologies were noted around this time. Audio deepfakes have been used in social engineering scams to impersonate trusted individuals. (Cyber Magzine)
2020: There was a significant discussion around the growth of deepfakes, with cybercriminals starting to use AI for scams and fraud. An increase in hacker interest in deepfake technology was noted, suggesting a rise in incidents, although exact numbers are not specified (Home of Cybersecurity News)
2021: The number of deepfake videos online was reported to be 14,678, significantly higher compared to deepfake images and audios. (DeepTrace)
2022: Estimates suggested a continuing increase, but specific numbers for 2022 have not been disclosed as of yet.
2023: The number of deepfake videos online surged dramatically, from fewer in earlier years to 95,820 by 2023, marking a 550% increase compared to 2019. Additionally, there were about 500,000 fake images and audio recordings reported. (Home Security Heroes).
2024: Approximately 50% of businesses worldwide reported incidents of deepfake fraud in 2024, indicating a notable rise in AI-related crimes over the past two years. (Regula)

The surge of 80,602 deepfake videos from 2021 to 2023 represents a significant and concerning trend in the digital content landscape. These deepfake statistics, along with numerous fake images and audio recordings, are largely driven by the availability of cheap and user-friendly tools that facilitate the creation of convincing fake identities and enable fraudulent activities.

According to Sumsub, there’s a reported 3,000% increase in 2023 alone, highlighting the rapid advancement and widespread adoption of artificial intelligence technologies capable of generating convincing fake videos year-on-year.

Given the exponential growth trajectory of deepfake videos, VPNRanks estimates a continuation of this trend into 2025 and beyond. Assuming the growth rate sustains even partially, we can expect a further 50-60% increase from the 2023 figures.

A 50-60% rise would push the count to approximately 143,730 to 153,312 deepfake content by 2024-25. We should prepare for a significant escalation in deepfake incidents, potentially surpassing 150,000 cases globally.

*This forecast considers both the increasing technological capabilities and the growing interest in using these tools for both benign and malicious purposes.

High Engagement with Deepfake Explicit Content

In VPNRanks’ survey, 74.3% of respondents expressed significant concern about deepfakes being used to manipulate public opinion, especially in political and social contexts. This highlights a broader awareness of the risks posed by deepfake technology in influencing perceptions and spreading misinformation.

🛡️The engagement with deepfake explicit content is expected to continue rising, reaching around 4,100 explicit videos available online, 40.25 million monthly visitors, and a 20% increase in total video views.

DeepTrace reports that 96% of all deepfake videos online contain explicit content, which is an eye-opening figure emphasizing the use of deepfake for non-consensual and explicit content.

2019: Deepfake explicit content was a significant concern, with AI firm DeepTrace reporting that 96% of all deepfake videos were x-rated, predominantly featuring images of women manipulated without consent till 2019. (DeepTrace)
2020: 100% of the subjects in deepfake explicit content were women (female celebrities and individuals from the entertainment industry), notably including a large proportion of South Korean K-pop singers. (SkyNet)
2021: The prevalence of deepfake videos on the internet was noted to have doubled since 2018, reaching a total of 14,678 videos. (DeepTrace)
2022: 3,725 deepfake explicit videos were available on the internet for users, demonstrating the overwhelming preference for this type of content within the deepfake genre. (Home Security Heroes)
2023: The top ten dedicated deepfake adult websites amassed over 303 million video views, with monthly traffic reaching nearly 35 million. This level of engagement underscores the widespread consumption and the potential societal impact of deepfake technology (Home Security Heroes).

Over the last five years, engagement with deepfake explicit content has seen notable increases and substantial viewership, reflecting the growing issue and impact of this technology.

Between 2019 and 2021, the explicit deepfake video count surged to over 14,000 due to technological advancements.
In 2022, 3,725 explicit videos garnered about 35 million monthly visitors, giving 9,391 views per video per month.

According to PCMag, nearly half (48%) of surveyed US men have viewed deepfake explicit content at least once, and 74% reported feeling no guilt about it.

The trends from the past five years, analyzed using a linear regression model, suggest that the explicit deepfake video count might stabilize around 4,000-4,500 by the end of 2025. This stabilization is attributed to ongoing regulatory efforts combined with technological advancements.

Monthly traffic to deepfake adult websites is projected to reach around 40.25 million visitors, representing a 15% increase. Total video views on the top ten deepfake adult websites are expected to surpass 363.6 million, a 20% increase from 2023, indicating sustained and increasing engagement with deepfake explicit content.

The Rise of Identity Frauds through Deepfakes

In the VPNRanks survey, 48.6% of respondents reported a decreased trust in online videos and media content due to the rise of deepfakes, while 74.3% expressed extreme concern about the potential of deepfakes to manipulate public opinion during elections.

The top AI-enabled identity fraud scenarios include deepfake-based impersonation attempts targeting facial verification systems and account takeovers.

🛡️2024-25 global deepfake-related identity fraud attempts are projected to reach 50,000.

These deepfake statistics reflect growing public awareness and anxiety over the misuse of deepfake technology in identity fraud and misinformation.

2019: Deepfake crime statistics reveal a troubling trend, with 96% of all deepfake videos being explicit, primarily featuring non-consensual images of women. (DeepTrace)
2020: Deepfake technology saw an 84% increase in creation models, leading to more sophisticated fraud attempts. (CSO Online)
2021: Deepfake-related identity fraud became a growing concern as the number of attempts increased by 330% from 2020 to 2021. (Statista)
2022: Identity fraud in North America grew significantly, and deepfake use for fraud increased from 0.2% to 2.6% in the U.S. and from 0.1% to 4.6% in Canada (Sensity AI).
2023: Globally, deepfake incidents surged tenfold across industries between 2022 and 2023, making AI-powered fraud one of the top five identity fraud types. These deepfake statistics 2023 show that the most affected sectors include online media, professional services, and healthcare (Sumsub).
2024: On average, businesses incurred losses of nearly $450,000 due to deepfake-related fraud, with larger enterprises facing losses up to $680,000. (Regula).

*The data in the image is sourced from Sumsub, reflecting the top five industries affected by deepfake identity frauds.

Deepfake technology has significantly impacted identity fraud, with the global rate of identity fraud nearly doubling from 2021 to 2023. This underscores the role of advanced technologies in evolving fraud schemes, making them more sophisticated and increasingly difficult to detect year-on-year.

According to Statista, Sumsub, and Onfido, deepfake-specific fraud cases skyrocketed globally, with North America leading the surge (1,740% increase), followed by the Asia-Pacific region (Philippines: +4,500%), Europe (UK: +300%, overall Europe: +780%), Latin America (+410%), and the Middle East & Africa (+450%).

Based on historical trends and using a linear exponential growth model for fraud attempts, deepfake-related identity fraud attempts are expected to reach 50,000 globally, assuming a fivefold increase over 2023 due to the growing sophistication and accessibility of deepfake creation tools.

This forecast assumes continued advancements in deepfake creation tools and generative AI, along with a similar regulatory environment with no significant global policies to curb deepfake misuse.

Detection Rates of Deepfake Crimes

🛡️Approximately 20,000 deepfake crime attempts are predicted to be detected globally due to advancements in detection models in 2025.

The rising number of deepfake frauds, which saw a tenfold increase globally between 2022 and 2023 (Sumsub), highlights the urgent need for advanced cybersecurity measures.

2019: The majority of detection focused on identifying facial manipulation and voice cloning. (DeepTrace)
2020: Increase of 84% in detection models due to improved AI-based detection algorithms. (Sensity AI)
2021: 57% of global consumers believed they could detect a deepfake video, but 43% admitted they might not distinguish manipulated footage. There was an increasing adoption of deepfake detection tools like Amber, Reality Defender, and Microsoft’s Video Authenticator. (Statista)
2022: Cybersecurity companies focused on integrating detection measures into existing anti-fraud systems as deepfake identity fraud increased from 0.2% to 2.6% in the U.S. and from 0.1% to 4.6% in Canada. (Sensity AI)
2023: Cybersecurity measures included liveness biometric checks, non-document verification, and synthetic identity detection to combat deepfake-related frauds. (Sumsub)
2024: Advanced deepfake detection tools have achieved a 65% success rate against sophisticated deepfake generation software like DeepFaceLab and Avatarify. (Eftsure)

As per the analysis of the previous 5 years’ data, it’s evident that there’s been exponential growth year-on-year in detection models to combat deepfake frauds. As confirmed by Sumsub, cybersecurity teams embraced deep learning models for more accurate detection.

Deepfake creators are becoming more sophisticated, making detection challenging, but improved tools like machine learning and behavioral analysis have helped identify deepfakes.

According to TNW, advancements in biometric verification technologies are proving to be effective deterrents and continuous innovation in security measures can help counter sophisticated deepfake attacks.

My analysis of the growth trajectory for deepfake incidents, dividing them into categories of non-consensual explicit content and identity frauds, indicates that around 20,000 deepfake crime attempts are expected to be detected globally. This trend is propelled by advancements in detection models, enhanced cybersecurity measures, and increased awareness.

This rapid increase highlights the urgent necessity for ongoing development of deepfake detection tools to keep pace with evolving fraud tactics.

The rapid rise underscores the need for continuous development of deepfake detection tools to stay ahead of evolving fraud tactics.

Deepfakes in Elections: A Growing Menace to Global Democracy

According to a survey conducted by VPNRanks, 65.7% of respondents believe that a deepfake video released during an election campaign would likely influence voters’ opinions, underscoring the critical threat deepfakes pose to fair and transparent elections.

Deepfakes have emerged as a powerful tool for spreading misinformation, eroding voter trust and manipulating election outcomes. As their use becomes more sophisticated, the integrity of democratic processes faces unprecedented challenges.

⚠️ VPNRanks predicts that by 2025, over 80% of global elections could be affected by deepfake interference, threatening democracy. Rapid advances in deepfake tech will fuel disinformation and voter manipulation.

Deepfakes have been increasingly used in elections globally, raising significant concerns about their potential to undermine electoral integrity. Here are some key statistics and insights:

Global Deepfake Incidents: As of January 2024, 114 political deepfake incidents were recorded in a dedicated database tracking their social and political significance, contributing to essential deepfake statistics 2024 (CASMI).
Election Interference: Deepfake fraud statistics highlight the global impact of AI-manipulated media, as seen in the February 2023 Nigerian elections where an AI-generated audio clip falsely implicated a candidate in ballot manipulation. (The Journalist's Resource).
Deepfakes in Western Politics: Countries like Slovakia and Moldova have experienced deepfake incidents, such as a viral AI-generated audio clip accusing Slovakian opposition leaders of election rigging( The Journalist's Resource, Brennan Center for Justice).
Liar’s Dividend: The increased prevalence of deepfakes in politics has led to the liar’s dividend,” where authentic content is dismissed as fake, amplifying uncertainty and undermining trust in genuine information (Brennan Center for Justice).
Impact on U.S. Elections: In the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, both former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden have been subjects of circulated deepfakes, with efforts underway to track and analyze these incidents (Brennan Center for Justice).
Misinformation Concerns in Australia: The latest Digital News Report shows that 75% of Australians are concerned about misinformation in 2024, up from 64% in 2022. The Ipsos AI monitor reveals that 52% believe AI will worsen online disinformation, and a 2024 Adobe study found 78% think deepfakes will impact elections (The Interpreter.

The prediction of deepfake impacts on elections by 2025 was made by analyzing global data on deepfake incidents and election interference. By examining the increasing frequency and sophistication of deepfake usage across different countries, we projected a rising global threat to election integrity, driven by the growing accessibility and effectiveness of AI technologies.

In the Indian elections, while deepfakes were used to spread disinformation, AI also had a positive impact by mitigating the effects of these manipulations. According to The Conversation, AI tools helped identify and counter deepfakes in real time, showing that, despite the risks, technology can also be harnessed to protect democracy.

Considering this global rise and the technological advancements making deepfakes more accessible, it is reasonable to project that the percentage of elections affected by deepfakes will significantly increase. Based on current trends, it’s possible that over 80% of elections worldwide could face deepfake-related interference by 2025.

This estimate reflects the growing sophistication and frequency of these incidents as they increasingly infiltrate electoral processes globally.

Recent Cases of Deepfake Misuse

Recent deepfake attacks have raised significant concerns about the potential for misinformation, fraud, and privacy violations. Victims of deepfakes often find their images and voices manipulated without consent, leading to reputational damage, emotional distress, and a profound sense of violation.

In a survey conducted by VPNRanks, respondents shared their practices and concerns around deepfake content, especially regarding authenticity and platform responsibility. Notably, 45.7% of participants stated they always verify a video’s authenticity before sharing, reflecting a growing public vigilance against misinformation.

Additionally, 41.4% of respondents emphasized that it is extremely important for social media platforms to promptly remove non-consensual deepfake content once reported, highlighting strong expectations for platform accountability in handling harmful synthetic media.

Microsoft says deep fakes are the biggest AI concerns as they are realistic-looking fake content. This technology has increasingly targeted high-profile celebrities and political figures, including:

The victims of deepfake technology include high-profile celebrities and political figures.

Taylor Swift: The Conversation on tech Weaponization against women.
Tom Cruise: Cinema Blend reports on his reaction to famous deepfakes.
Mark Zuckerberg: CNET covers the Deepfake on Instagram.
Jenna Ortega: Mashable reports deepfake ads featuring her on Meta platforms.
Brooke Monk: The Mirror reports her response to a sexual deepfake video, urging action against such content.
Margot Robbie: AJC highlights an almost indistinguishable viral deepfake of her.
Addison Rae: NBC News highlights how deepfake videos of TikTok stars thrive on Twitter despite breaking the platform’s rules.
Billie Eilish: Metro reports a deepfake AI video on TikTok targeted her after sexualized clips received 11,000,000 views.
Olivia Rodrigo: The Express Tribune notes her deepfake AI cover of Taylor Swift’s ‘I Hate It Here’ going viral.
Bobbi Althoff: Yahoo details her being the victim of a deepfake AI video. ‘This world is scary. It’s getting scarier,’ she says.
Millie Bobby Brown: Entertainment.ie shares a deepfake of her as Princess Leia that’s scarily similar.
Scarlett Johansson: Sky News reports she becomes the latest victim of an alleged deepfake advert.
Elizabeth Olsen: Comic Book features a deepfake of WandaVision’s star as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones.
Ariana Grande: The Independent showcases Deep Fake Neighbour Wars,” a comedy turning her into a scaffolder.
Emma Watson: NBC News reports hundreds of sexual deepfake ads using her face ran on Facebook and Instagram.
Zendaya and Selena Gomez: Metro reports deepfakes of them at the Met Gala to confuse fans.
Virat Kholi: The Times of India reports on the viral deepfake video involving Kohli, emphasizing the growing challenges posed by AI-driven misinformation.

Besides celebrities, recent stories of criminals using deepfakes include:

OpenAI and Microsoft have joined forces to counter five state-backed cyberattacks, which aimed to exploit GPT-4 for phishing campaigns, cybersecurity research, and scripting.

Microsoft reported that hacking groups linked to Russian military intelligence, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, and the governments of China and North Korea sought to improve their hacking strategies using large language models (LLMs).

OpenAI identified two Chinese groups (Charcoal Typhoon and Salmon Typhoon), Iran’s Crimson Sandstorm, North Korea’s Emerald Sleet, and Russia’s Forest Blizzard as the sources of these attacks.

OpenAI quickly deactivated the attackers’ accounts and banned state-backed hacking groups from using its AI products. Despite preventing these attacks, OpenAI acknowledges the challenge of eliminating misuse entirely. In June 2023, it launched a $1 million cybersecurity grant program to enhance AI-driven cybersecurity technologies.

Over 200 entities, including OpenAI, Microsoft, Anthropic, and Google, have since partnered with the Biden Administration to form the AI Safety Institute and the U.S. AI Safety Institute Consortium (AISIC). This initiative addresses AI-generated deepfakes and cybersecurity issues, building on the U.S. AI Safety Institute (USAISI) established following President Biden’s October 2023 executive order on AI safety.

Deepfake Regulations: What the Law States?

Deepfakes aren’t inherently illegal, but creators and distributors can easily violate the law. Depending on the content, a deepfake could infringe on copyright, breach data protection laws, or be defamatory if it subjects the victim to ridicule. Additionally, sharing private images without consent is a specific criminal offense that carries a prison sentence of up to two years.

In Britain, the law varies: In Scotland, the legislation includes deepfakes, making it an offense to disclose or threaten to disclose a photo or video that depicts or appears to depict someone in an intimate situation. In England, however, the law explicitly excludes images solely created by altering an existing image. (The Guardian)

Resources Available for Deepfake Victims

If the victims lack believable evidence, they may find it challenging to report a deepfake crime. Even if a malicious actor is identified, civil remedies might be unattainable if the individual is outside the U.S. or in a jurisdiction where local legal action proves ineffective.

Nevertheless, victims of online abuse can find support through various resources and organizations dedicated to assisting them, such as:

Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI): Offers a crisis helpline, legal support, and educational resources for victims of online abuse, including deepfake exploitation.
Without My Consent: Provides resources, legal information, and a toolkit specifically aimed at combating online harassment and deepfake issues.
Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): Advocates for digital privacy and offers legal guidance to individuals facing online abuse, including deepfakes.
National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV): Offers safety tips and resources for those experiencing technology-based abuse, including the use of deepfakes.
The Online SOS Network: Provides crisis support, counseling, and legal guidance for individuals facing online abuse and harassment.
CyberSmile Foundation: A global organization offering support, education, and advocacy for victims of cyberbullying and online abuse, including deepfake technology misuse.
StopNCII.org (Stop Non-Consensual Intimate Images): Helps victims prevent the sharing of non-consensual intimate images through a partnership with platforms to rapidly remove such content.
National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC): Offers a resource directory for various types of abuse, including deepfake exploitation.
Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC): Assists victims in managing identity theft issues stemming from deepfake exploitation.

Reporting Deepfakes

According to a report by Homeland Security, victims of deepfakes can take several steps to report these attacks:

Report incidents to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) by contacting local FBI offices or the FBI’s 24/7 Cyber Watch at CyWatch@fbi.gov.
Contact law enforcement officials who can assist victims by conducting forensic investigations using police reports and evidence gathered.
Use the Securities and Exchange Commission’s services to investigate financial crimes.
Report inappropriate content and abuse on social media platforms (such as, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) using the platform’s specific reporting procedures.
If the victim is under 18 years of age, report incidents to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children through their cyber tip line at https://report.cybertip.org.

VPNRanks’ Methodology for Analyzing and Predicting Deepfake Trends

To forecast the trends and implications of deepfake incidents, I conducted a comprehensive analysis of deepfake statistics and trends over the past five years, drawing on data from multiple reputable cybersecurity industry reports and organizations.

VPNRanks’ methodology for this forecasting report involved the following steps:

Data Collection:

Sources:

I sourced data from key reports and studies by Statista, Sumsub, DeepTrace, EDsmart, and Home Security Heroes.

Reference Years:

Data spanning five years from 2019 to 2023 was collected to identify patterns and trends.

Data Analysis:

Trend Analysis:

I analyzed the growth trajectory of deepfake incidents and categorized them into non-consensual explicit content and identity frauds.

Key Indicators:

I identified key indicators such as deepfake video counts, engagement rates, identity fraud attempts, and detection rates.

Extrapolation:

Based on historical trends, I projected potential deepfake incidents, explicit content engagement, and identity fraud attempts for the coming years.

Forecasting Model:

Linear Growth Assumption:

I applied a linear growth assumption to forecast the potential rise in deepfake incidents.

Assumption Factors:

The forecasting model considered:

Advancements in deepfake creation and detection technology.
Regulatory efforts and enforcement measures.
The growing interest of cybercriminals in using deepfakes for malicious purposes.

Validation and Refinement:

Cross-Validation:

The projections were cross-validated with the findings from recent cybersecurity industry reports.

Refinement:

Adjustments were made based on recent developments, including regulatory efforts, technology advancements, and criminal trends.

Deepfake Detection: Expert Tips for Protecting Yourself Online

Here, you’ll find expert insights on practical ways to stay safe from deepfakes, including tips for spotting visual inconsistencies and verifying content credibility. These expert recommendations offer valuable guidance for navigating and protecting yourself in the age of digital manipulation.

Mike Ouwerkerk explains,

Spotting deepfakes is definitely getting harder as the quality improves and they become nearly indiscernible from real life. The issue is, you literally won't be able to spot them.

To navigate this, he teaches three essential principles:

Stay Vigilant: Always question anything that appears suspicious or off.”
Verify Before Trusting: Confirm the accuracy of any potentially harmful information before reacting.
Protect Confidentiality: Only share sensitive information if you’re certain of the recipient’s identity, ideally confirmed in person.

These guidelines empower individuals to exercise caution in an era of increasingly sophisticated digital deception.

Cache Merrill mentioned that:

Deepfakes are becoming more common, and I recommend taking a trust-but-verify approach whenever dealing with any media content.

He highlights key strategies:

Watch for Red Flags: Look for unusual body language or mismatched audio and lip movements, both common signs of deepfakes.
Use Verification Tools: Employ tools like Google Images or InVid for reverse image searches to detect altered or misused content.
Cross-Verify with Reliable Sources: Confirm critical information with credible news outlets, as fact-checking is crucial to avoid spreading false content.

These steps, as he notes, are practical measures for protecting oneself from manipulated media, prioritizing accuracy over assumptions.

Christian Espinosa explains that:

It is important to approach visual media with a critical perspective, particularly when the content elicits strong emotions or appears inconsistent with known facts.

He offers practical advice for evaluating media authenticity:

Watch for Inconsistencies: Look for subtle cues, such as unnatural facial movements or mismatched audio and video.
Rely on Trusted Sources: Use reputable fact-checking organizations and established media outlets to verify questionable content.
Stay Educated on Deepfake Technology: Understanding how deepfakes are created and using the latest detection tools strengthens one’s ability to spot manipulated media.

These habits, he emphasizes, empower individuals to counter misinformation and become a more informed, discerning audience in today’s digital landscape.

Rasheen W. explains that:

Traditional advice, make sure the source is reputable, if you can verify the information with another source if possible. And really look at the media, if there are imperfections in the video or image take a closer look to confirm that it's authenticate.

He also recommends verifying the source—credible news outlets or official profiles are more trustworthy than anonymous sources. Using tools like reverse image search and staying updated with detection technology are key steps in countering misinformation.

Oliver Page explains that:

With AI advancing, deepfakes are increasingly convincing and harder to spot. Check the context: Does the media align with known facts, events, and the person's usual tone?

He suggests that if a video or audio clip seems out of character, it’s wise to verify through a quick search on credible news sources. Context-checking, he adds, is an effective first step to identify suspicious media before sharing.

Ali Qamar mentioned that:

As deepfakes become increasingly convincing, caution is essential. Look for visual inconsistencies—like unusual blurring, unnatural blinking, or inconsistent lighting.

He also advises verifying source credibility and using tools like reverse image search to check for alterations. Staying alert to content meant to provoke emotions is key to avoiding manipulation.

Jacob (Yakup) Kalvo explains that:

To spot deepfakes, look for small inconsistencies, like unnatural facial movements or mismatched lip-syncing.

Dr. Nathaniel comments on the dual nature of deepfake technologies, stating,

Deepfake technologies are a double-edged sword, offering transformative potential for innovation and creativity, yet also posing significant ethical, social, and political challenges. Society must wield this sword wisely, harnessing its benefits while safeguarding against its potential harms.

He emphasizes the importance of balancing the innovative advantages with the need to address the associated risks responsibly.

Christopher A. Smith highlights the dangers of deepfakes in elections, stating,

Deepfake technology is reshaping digital content in ways that are not always ethical, especially in elections. Hyper-realistic videos of political figures making false statements can mislead voters, ultimately eroding trust in democratic systems.

He underscores the urgent need for proactive solutions like AI-powered detection tools and public education to counter the spread of deepfakes in both elections and personal privacy.

Explore More In-Depth Statistics and Reports by VPNRanks

AI and Cybersecurity– Explore statistics on AI’s role in strengthening and challenging cybersecurity defenses.
Dark Web Statistics- Dive into insights on dark web activities, user demographics, and threat landscapes.
Cyberbullying Statistics– Review the latest figures on cyberbullying prevalence, impact on mental health, and age groups affected.
Sextortion– Understand key statistics on sextortion cases, victim demographics, and reporting trends.

FAQs

What are the statistics on deepfake technology?

The statistics on deepfake technology reveal rapid growth, with deepfake content online doubling every six months in recent years. In 2023, around 500,000 video and voice deepfakes were shared on social media globally, underscoring the widespread reach and accelerating production of synthetic media.

How much have deepfakes increased?

According to Onfido’s Identity Fraud Report 2024, deepfakes have surged by 3,000%, reshaping corporate fraud. From manipulated executive videos to elaborate scams, threats are evolving fast. Strong AI detection and identity verification are crucial to countering this rise.

Is deepfake illegal in the US?

Deepfakes aren’t explicitly illegal in the U.S., but some states regulate their malicious use. Since 2019, laws have targeted deceptive manipulated media that falsely depict others. These laws focus on cases of fraud, defamation, and election interference.

How do deepfakes affect society?

Deepfakes erode trust in media by spreading false narratives and manipulating public opinion. Realistic fabrications of public figures and politicians can mislead society and undermine democracy. This growing threat challenges credibility in news, elections, and social discourse.

Conclusion

VPNRanks’ analysis and forecast reveal that deepfake incidents are expected to surge by 50-60% by 2025 and beyond, potentially reaching 140,000 to 150,000 cases globally.

This significant rise, coupled with an estimated increase in deepfake explicit content to around 4,100 videos and a projected 50,000 deepfake-related identity fraud attempts, underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and legal frameworks.

While advancements in detection models are predicted to identify around 20,000 deepfake crime attempts, these deepfake statistics only scratch the surface of the problem. Tackling the rise in deepfakes requires stronger legislation, advanced detection technology, and comprehensive public awareness campaigns.