Meaning

(neologism, technology) A misleading or slightly edited piece of media (such as a video clip or image) created using conventional methods, as opposed to AI deep learning algorithms..

Example Sentences

The technology industry has a unique opportunity to tackle "deepfakes"—the problem of fake audio and video created using artificial intelligence—before they become a widespread problem, according to human rights campaigner Sam Gregory. ¶ But, he warns, major companies are still a very long way from tackling the pervasive and more damaging issue of cruder "shallowfake" misinformation.

Facebook last week banned deepfake videos that are likely to mislead viewers into thinking someone "said words that they did not actually say", in the run-up to the 2020 US election. However, the policy covers only misinformation produced using AI, meaning "shallowfakes" (see below) are still allowed on the platform.

Hundreds of articles have focused on these and hypothetical deepfake scenarios and what they mean for the future of video and trust. But despite all this attention, shallowfakes — videos shared with misleading contexts or small edits — are far more widespread and easier to produce.

Word Forms

• shallowfakes

When Should You Use Shallowfake?

Use shallowfake when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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