German telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom recently released a social experiment campaign through YouTube entitled, “Without Consent.”
Revolving around the small family, parents, and their young daughter, Ella, the first few seconds of the 2-minute video, which was launched on July 2, “Without Consent” appeared quite a video on parenting, especially in this widely technology-driven world. It places the premise on how parents constantly sharing and posting their children on social media can actually place harmful effects and impacts on their futures. When you think you know what is about to happen and what message they simply want, “Without Consent,” actually surprises you.
“Without Consent,” deepfakes Ella, as it sheds light on the increasing risks linked to data misuse and AI. With one photo and through the use of AI, a grown-up Ella appeared on the big screen to send a message, revealing the horrors of digital footprint and what it brings us in the long run.
Anything can be used against us
Simple happy photos we post during the holidays, or just in our stories, can be used to create fake identities. Just take for example how easy it is to create an older Ella. Videos or recordings we post also make it easier to generate and edit our voices. Sure, these are just simple things we use to store memories and special moments. But what one does not realize is that we are sharing personal data not just among our followers, but even making it available worldwide indefinitely. Digital footprints are frightening in the sense that what we have today will remain as is even if we are long gone in the face of the earth.
It is scary to think that this is all possible.
The same advancements in technology that brought us comfort can have unforeseen consequences. So this goes not just to parents, but to everyone else in the world—so protect your data. It may also sound unnecessary today, but it holds great unwanted damage if we do not review our approach to data protection and security. As the old saying goes, “It is better to be safe than sorry.”
Watch the video here.
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