International Journal of Advance Research Publication and Reviews

International Journal of Advance Research Publication and Reviews
Peer-Reviewed | Multi-Disciplinary Journal

Political Deepfakes and the Burden of Verification in Malaysia

Author

Wang Xunzhi, Mohd Haizra Hashim

Abstract

 A convincing political forgery can be taken as evidence, and the possibility of forgery can make a genuine recording easier to dispute. This article examines who should bear the work of verifying disputed political media in Malaysia. It draws on published studies of deepfake detection, public attitudes and video campaigning, then applies deontological ethics, consequentialism and virtue ethics to an illustrative case. A viewer has two questions to resolve. Is the recording authentic, and does it support the claim attached to it? A label can tell viewers how material was made, but it cannot answer both questions. Campaigns are best placed to disclose alterations and retain source files. Platforms and newsrooms can keep that information visible, investigate disputed claims and correct errors in the languages in which those claims circulate. These duties should reflect each actor’s access to evidence and leave room for legitimate satire and criticism.


Keywords

political deepfakes, media ethics, verification, political communication, Malaysia

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References

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