Abstract:

Generative artificial intelligence is reshaping how information is created, shared, and trusted. As synthetic images, voices, videos, and identities become increasingly convincing, traditional assumptions about authenticity are being challenged. This keynote examines how deepfakes, impersonation, automated social engineering, and fabricated evidence can undermine cybersecurity, institutional credibility, and public confidence. It explores the implications of these threats for individuals, organisations, and society, highlighting why visual or auditory realism alone cannot establish truth. The presentation discusses practical approaches to strengthening digital trust through content provenance, identity verification, layered security controls, human oversight, and critical digital literacy. It also considers the limitations of detection technologies and the importance of responsible AI governance and coordinated responses.