Course 8, lesson 73 of 100, Ages 11+

Spotting fakes

Is that photo real?

Like I’m 5

AI can make pictures that look like real photos, like a magic trick. Before you believe one, ask: who made this, and can I check it?

The big idea

Deepfakes are AI-made images, videos or voices that look and sound real. They can be fun in films, but they can also spread lies, like a fake video of a leader saying something they never said.

Be a fake detective: ask who posted it, check trusted news sites, look for odd details like strange hands or mismatched lip movements, and be suspicious of content designed to make you angry or scared.

Examples

  • Viral photos: A dramatic picture of a disaster that never happened.
  • Voice clones: A fake call that sounds like a relative asking for money.
  • Checking: A quick search shows whether trusted outlets report the same thing.

How it works

  1. AI can make fake photos, voices and videos that look and sound real. These are called deepfakes.
  2. Clues can help, like odd hands, strange text or lighting that doesn’t match. But the clues aren’t always there.
  3. The best check: look for the same news from trusted sources, and be extra careful before you share.

Check your understanding

You see a shocking video online. What’s the best first step?
Options: Check whether trusted sources report it; Share it straight away; Believe it because it looks real.
Answer: Check whether trusted sources report it. Trusted sources help confirm what’s real before you share anything.
A shocking video appears online. What's a good first step?
Options: Check whether trusted sources report it; Share it immediately; Comment angrily.
Answer: Check whether trusted sources report it. Verifying before sharing stops fakes spreading.

Remember

Pause, check trusted sources, then decide.

Talk about it

Have you ever seen a photo that turned out to be fake?

Go deeper

Detection tools are imperfect, so where media comes from matters: standards like C2PA content credentials and watermarking help show its origin. Practise lateral reading: leave the post, and see what reliable news outlets and fact-checkers say.