In one sentence: A deepfake is an image, video or audio recording made or changed with AI (artificial intelligence) to show a person doing or saying something they did not.
Why it matters: The FBI says deepfakes can be made from ordinary photos or videos that people post online. A fake can look real, so a clip alone is not proof. If a clip asks you for money or urgent action, check with the person using a phone number you already know.
One thing to do: Open your social media account settings and make your profile private, or check who can see your photos.
Related terms: voice cloning, impersonation scam, AI-generated content
Checked: 25 Oct 2026.
