The Threat of Deepfake Gossip Websites in the Black Community for Profit
New York NY- In recent years, the proliferation of deepfake technology has shifted from an intriguing innovation to a menacing tool wielded against individuals, particularly within the Black community. Deepfake gossip websites including social media platforms have emerged, targeting prominent Black American celebrities, dignitaries and multiple others with high profiles with false narratives that threaten their reputations and integrity.
These deepfake platforms utilize AI to fabricate video and audio content that appears astonishingly real, manipulating public perception without accountability. Much of this fabricated gossip plays into harmful racial stereotypes, exacerbating pre-existing societal issues rather than addressing them.
The consequences for the individuals targeted can be drastically harmful, ranging from personal distress to professional fallout. Recently best selling author, producer and television personality Judge Faith Jenkins-Lattimore along with husband award winning recording artist Kenny Lattimore, came forth to share their unfortunate experiences with such gossip entities. Their findings have been astonishing. Many of these so called gossip sites are not U.S. established at all, yet their main target audience is in fact the American Black community. Some social media platforms have as many as five hundred thousand followers or subscribers. Yes, they do appear to be predominantly Black Americans. Mostly click bait. But, it's largely profited. Jenkins-Lattimore disclosed in a recent online interview, that one of the alleged owners of a popular YouTube account, has as many as nine different pages that rehash the same deplorable and denigrating stories about black celebrities.
It’s disconcerting that major tech companies like Google and YouTube, which boast sophisticated technology capable of detecting misinformation, often remain silent. Their inaction raises eyebrows as the deepfake gossip proliferates unchecked, arguing for a concerning normalization of false narratives against marginalized communities under the guise of free speech.
Community leaders are calling for greater responsibility from these tech giants, emphasizing that their platforms have essentially become tools for digital harassment, risking not only the reputations of Black figures but also the well-being of countless individuals influenced by misinformation. The call to action is clear: these companies must implement stricter content moderation policies to combat hate and falsehoods.Despite this, tech giants like Google and YouTube have largely taken a back seat. They are not stepping up to address this issue effectively, often citing the grey area of free speech. While freedom of expression is a staple of democratic society, it should not come at the expense of truth and safety. The lack of decisive action by these platforms sends a troubling message about accountability.
In combating this digital menace, public awareness plays a crucial role. This is where main stream Media should create a space for this topic of conversation. This is a different kind of cyber attack. HEIGHT Magazine™, a Trademarked brand is currently under attack. Many of these predators we have found through legal investigation are from Pakistan, Germany and Turkey. They simply do not care about copyrights or other legal ramifications when it comes to the Black community and Businesses. Maybe because in this new wave of technology? There are none. Is it only about profit? How does all of this connect to the leading social media giants, Google and YouTube? Each click warrants review for the platform and it's sponsors. All at the expense of ruining someone's livelihood. When our team reached out to Google for immediate assistance. We were told our claims were not valid, even with a stapled presence on social media and a valid official website. So, perhaps these predators know there is no real assistance Black Americans and the community will receive unless it solely from a legal standpoint?
Empowering individuals through education about the nature of deepfakes helps build a more discerning society capable of questioning the veracity of sensational claims. It is vital that the general public cultivates a critical eye so as not to amplify harmful narratives.
The conversation surrounding deepfake technology and its misuse must continue as society adapts to new challenges. Engaging in informed dialogue, advocating for responsible tech policies, and enhancing media literacy are key steps in mitigating the damaging effects of deepfake gossip targeting the Black community. ++
