We are not ready for better deepfakes

Decoder with Nilay Patel · with Gaurav Misra · July 24, 2025 · 56 min

Summary

This episode uncovers the alarming capabilities of AI-powered video generation, highlighting how platforms like Captions can create hyper-realistic "synthetic humans." It delves into the profound ethical and societal concerns surrounding deepfakes, from misinformation campaigns to fraud, and explores the urgent need for robust regulatory frameworks and mitigation strategies to combat their misuse. Ecommerce operators should be aware of the rapid advancements in AI video and the potential for both creative and destructive applications in marketing and brand reputation.

Key takeaways

• Understand that current AI video generation can create highly realistic 'synthetic humans' that are nearly indistinguishable from real individuals.
• Recognize the significant risks deepfakes pose, including brand impersonation, deceptive advertising, and reputational damage through misinformation campaigns.
• Advocate for and stay informed about legislative efforts and tools aimed at combating AI deepfake fraud and unauthorized replicas, such as the proposed "No Fakes Act."
• Consider the ethical implications of using AI-generated content in marketing and ensure transparency to maintain consumer trust.
• Explore the potential for legitimate, ethical applications of AI video generation, but prioritize safeguarding against its misuse in commercial contexts.

Themes

Topics covered

Episode description

This is Alex Heath, your Thursday episode guest host. Today I'm talking with Gaurav Misra, the CEO of Captions. You may not have heard of Captions yet, but by now, you’ve probably seen a video that was generated using its AI models. The company’s Mirage Studio platform lets anyone generate AI versions of real people, and the results are alarmingly realistic. Captions just put out a blog post titled, “We Build Synthetic Humans. Here’s What’s Keeping Us Up at Night.” It’s a good overview of the state of deepfakes and where they’re headed. So Gauraav and I sat down to discuss the trajectory of deepfake technology and what might be done to prevent it from being misused. Links: We build synthetic humans. Here’s what’s keeping us up at night | Captions Google’s Veo 3 AI video generator is a slop monger’s dream | Verge Gemini AI can now turn photos into videos | Verge Trump just unveiled his plan to put AI in everything | Verge Racist videos made with AI are going viral on TikTok | Verge Microsoft wants Congress to outlaw AI-generated deepfake fraud | Verge YouTube is supporting the ‘No Fakes Act’ targeting unauthorized AI replicas | Verge This Tom Cruise impersonator is using deepfake tech to impressive ends | Verge Credits: Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. Our producers are Kate Cox and Nick Statt. Our editor is Ursa Wright. The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Frequently asked about this episode

What does this episode say about ai & automation?

Understand that current AI video generation can create highly realistic 'synthetic humans' that are nearly indistinguishable from real individuals.

What does this episode say about brand & content?

Recognize the significant risks deepfakes pose, including brand impersonation, deceptive advertising, and reputational damage through misinformation campaigns.

What does this episode say about founder & leadership?

Advocate for and stay informed about legislative efforts and tools aimed at combating AI deepfake fraud and unauthorized replicas, such as the proposed "No Fakes Act."

What does this episode say about ai & automation?

Consider the ethical implications of using AI-generated content in marketing and ensure transparency to maintain consumer trust.

What does this episode say about ai & automation?

Explore the potential for legitimate, ethical applications of AI video generation, but prioritize safeguarding against its misuse in commercial contexts.

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