Deepfakes, which are a prominent and concerning manifestation of modern artificial intelligence systems, involve audiovisual content that is generated or altered by AI to convincingly resemble real people, events, or locations, thus creating a deceptive impression of authenticity. The potential uses of deepfakes range from satire and entertainment to posing serious challenges for information reliability, fundamental rights protection, and the functioning of democratic institutions. The increase in deepfake content can blur the lines that separate the real from the artificial and has raised alarm among policymakers and security analysts alike.

In recent years, the proliferation of deepfakes has escalated dramatically, with studies showing a 550% increase in deepfake videos between 2019 and 2023. It is projected that by the end of 2025, as many as 8 million deepfakes could be shared online, compared to approximately 500,000 in 2023, indicating a doubling of content roughly every six months. This rapid growth signifies urgent needs for regulation and collaborative efforts across the EU, as these deceptive technologies pose significant risks to public perception and trust in media.

Greece's contribution to the EU's strategy on managing the implications of deepfakes is critical, as it emphasizes the need for awareness, education, and protection of democratic processes. The country is pivoting towards enhancing its policies and practices to combat the negative impacts of such technologies, which not only threaten information integrity but also challenge civil liberties. By aligning with the EU's framework, Greece aims to play a significant role in devising effective solutions and preventative measures to mitigate the challenges posed by deepfakes in society.