Twentieth International Conference on Technology, Knowledge, and Society

Abstract

This paper explores the sociological implications of deepfake technology within the framework of surveillance, drawing connections between historical theories of surveillance and the contemporary landscape of manipulated media. By examining the evolution of surveillance theory from Bentham’s panopticon to Deleuze’s ‘control societies’ and Haggerty and Ericson’s ‘surveillance assemblage’, we explore the fluid dynamics of power, agency and autonomy. As we move into a post-panoptic era characterised by decentralised networks and participatory surveillance, the emergence of deepfakes introduces a paradigm shift in the interplay between the watcher and the watched. The paper further explores the transformative impact of deepfakes on the asymmetrical distribution of information and power, where individuals willingly engage in mutual surveillance through the creation and dissemination of synthetic media. Deepfakes disrupt traditional surveillance practices, prompting a rethinking of the dynamics of surveillance and resistance in an increasingly decentralised and technologically mediated landscape. Looking to the future, possible scenarios in an era of augmented virtuality are reshaping social interactions. The study explores the concept of ‘fake-your-self surveillance’, envisioning a landscape where individuals create digital replicas for different engagements. Accordingly, individuals will be able to deliberately manipulate their virtual identities, creating fake replicas and constructing a system of self-surveillance. The paper critically analyses the ethical and philosophical implications of digital avatars and virtual identities, highlighting the challenges of regulating synthetic identities and navigating the blurred boundaries between reality and simulation. It contributes to the ongoing discourse on deepfakes, surveillance and the evolving ethical landscape of our digital age.