By Lynette Agnes Kembabazi
That video of your president saying he’s resigning? The clip of your local MP promising free boda bodas to everyone? The footage of a Kampala businessman giving away millions in cash? If it seems too good (or shocking) to be true, it probably is.
With new AI technology like Google’s Veo 3, Synthesia, and ElevenLabs making it easier than ever to create fake videos that look incredibly real, we need to protect ourselves and our families from falling for these digital tricks. This guide will help you become a detective for fake videos – no technical skills required.
Qn: What exactly are deepfake videos, and why should I care?
A: Think of deepfakes as digital masks that can make anyone appear to say or do anything on video. Using powerful computer programs, scammers can now create videos that look like real people – including politicians, celebrities, or even your neighbors – saying things they never actually said.
These fake videos are being used to:
• Spread false political information before elections
• Trick people into sending money for fake investment schemes
• Create fake endorsements for products that don’t work
• Spread rumors that can destroy reputations
• Convince people to share personal information with scammers
The technology has become so advanced that even experts are calling new deepfakes “hyperrealistic” and “scary” because they’re becoming harder to spot.
Qn: How can I tell if a video on the internet or Facebook to be specific is fake? Give me simple signs to look for.
An: Here are the most reliable ways to spot fake videos, starting with the easiest:
1. Check the Source
• Who posted the video? Is it from a verified account or a random profile created last week?
• Look at the profile: Does it have a real photo, or is it a generic image? How old is the account?
• Check if major news outlets are reporting the same story. If it’s real news, NTV, Daily Monitor, or New Vision would cover it.
2. Listen to the Voice
• Does the person sound exactly like they normally do? Modern AI can clone voices, but they often sound slightly robotic or lack natural emotion
• Listen for weird pauses, unnatural speech patterns, or words that don’t match the person’s usual way of speaking
• If it’s a politician or celebrity, compare it to their recent speeches or interviews
3. Watch the Face and Body
• Look at the eyes: Do they blink naturally? Fake videos often have weird blinking patterns
• Check if the lighting on the face matches the background
• Watch for lips that don’t perfectly match the words being spoken
• Look for strange shadows or parts of the face that seem blurry while others are sharp
4. Trust Your Gut
• If something seems too shocking, convenient, or perfectly timed, be suspicious
• Ask yourself: “Would this person really say this publicly?”
• If it’s promoting something that seems too good to be true (like free money or miracle cures), it probably is
Qn: My mother keeps sharing videos that I think are fake. How do I explain this to her without sounding disrespectful?
An: This is one of the biggest challenges many families face. Here’s how to approach it with love and respect:
Start with understanding: “Mama, I saw the video you shared. It’s concerning if it’s true. Can we check together where it came from?”
Show, don’t just tell: Instead of saying “that’s fake,” show her how to check. Open the video together and look at the signs: “Let’s see who posted this first” or “Does this person’s voice sound normal to you?”
Use examples she understands: “You know how we check if meat is fresh at the market? We need to check if videos are ‘fresh’ (real) too.”
Make it about protecting the family: “We need to be careful because scammers are using these fake videos to trick people into sending money or sharing personal information.”
Teach one simple rule: “Before sharing anything shocking, let’s agree to ask each other first. If it’s really important news, it will still be there in a few hours.”
Qn: Are there any apps or tools that can help me detect fake videos?
An: Yes, but keep it simple. Here are practical options:
Free Online Tools:
• Deepware Scanner: Visit deepware.ai and upload suspicious videos for free analysis
• Google Reverse Image Search: Take a screenshot of the video and search for it to see if it appears elsewhere with different context
Browser Extensions:
• Some browsers now have built-in fact-checking features that can help identify suspicious content
The Best Tool – Your Community:
Ask trusted friends, family members, or local community groups: “Has anyone else seen this video? Does it seem real to you?”
Remember: Professional deepfake detection software exists, but for everyday use, your eyes, ears, and common sense are your best tools.
Qn: What should I do if I accidentally shared a fake video?
An: Don’t panic – it happens to everyone. Here’s what to do:
1. Delete the post immediately – Don’t wait, remove it from your timeline
2. Post a correction: Write a simple post saying “I shared a video earlier that turned out to be fake. Please ignore it.”
3. Message people directly: If you know friends or family shared it further, send them a private message explaining it was fake
4. Learn from it: Think about what made you believe it was real, so you can spot similar fakes in the future
5. Don’t feel ashamed: Fake videos are designed to fool people. The important thing is that you’re now being more careful.
Qn: How are scammers using these fake videos to steal money?
An: Scammers are getting very creative. Here are the most common tricks targeting Ugandans:
Investment Scams:
• Fake videos of successful businesspeople endorsing “guaranteed” investment schemes
• Deepfakes of government officials announcing fake economic programs
• Celebrities supposedly promoting cryptocurrency or forex trading platforms
Product Endorsements:
• Fake videos of doctors recommending miracle cures
• Politicians seemingly endorsing specific products or services
• Religious leaders apparently blessing certain business ventures
Emergency Scams:
• Videos that appear to show local disasters or emergencies, asking for donations
• Fake charity appeals using deepfake videos of trusted community leaders
Romance Scams:
• Creating fake video calls using someone else’s face to build emotional connections
• Pretending to be someone attractive or successful to gain trust
Remember: Real investment opportunities don’t need fake celebrity endorsements. Real charities don’t rely on shocking videos to raise funds.
Qn: My children are young. How do I teach them about fake videos without scaring them?
An: Teaching children about deepfakes is like teaching them about stranger danger – important but age-appropriate.
For Young Children (5-10 years):
• Use simple language: “Some videos on phones and computers are like movies – they’re not real”
• Teach them to ask an adult before believing shocking videos
• Show them how cartoons are made to help them understand that videos can be created
For Teenagers (11-18 years):
• Show them examples of obvious deepfakes on YouTube (search “deepfake examples”)
• Teach them to fact-check before sharing anything
• Explain how their digital reputation matters – sharing fake news can embarrass them later
• Make it about being smart, not scared: “Smart people always check their facts”
For All Ages:
• Create a family rule: “We don’t share videos about money, politics, or emergencies without checking with the family first”
• Make fact-checking a fun family activity
• Praise them when they question suspicious content
Qn: What’s the difference between obvious fake videos and the really dangerous ones?
An: There are different levels of fake videos, and understanding this helps you stay alert:
Obviously Fake (Low Threat):
• Face-swap apps that make you look like a celebrity
• Clearly joking videos where someone’s face is poorly pasted onto another body
• Social media filters that are meant to be funny
Moderately Sophisticated (Medium Threat):
• Videos that look real but have small flaws when you look closely
• Fake news videos that use real footage but change the audio
• Videos that reuse old footage with new, false context
Highly Sophisticated (High Threat):
• Professional-grade AI tools like Google’s Veo 3 that can create “high-quality” videos with “realistic” audio
• Videos designed specifically to influence elections or cause social unrest
• Financial scam videos that perfectly mimic trusted figures
• Videos used for blackmail or harassment
The most dangerous ones are made by people with bad intentions and significant resources. These require the most careful checking.
Qn: Are there any Ugandan laws protecting people from deepfake scams?
An: While Uganda’s laws are still catching up to this new technology, several existing laws can protect you:
Current Legal Protections:
• Computer Misuse Act: Covers digital fraud and cybercrime
• Consumer Protection laws: Protect against false advertising and scams
• Anti-Money Laundering laws: Help prosecute financial fraud schemes
What You Can Do:
• Report deepfake scams to Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)
• Report financial fraud to Bank of Uganda
• File complaints with Police Cyber Crime Unit if you’ve been scammed
• Keep evidence: Screenshots, links, and messages if you encounter fake videos used for scams
Important: Even if the law is still developing, you can still take civil action against people who use your likeness in fake videos without permission.
Qn: How can I help my community become more aware of this problem?
An: You can become a local hero by helping your community spot fake videos:
In Your Family:
• Teach one family member each week how to spot fake videos
• Create a family WhatsApp group where people can ask “Is this real?” before sharing
• Share this guide with relatives
In Your Neighborhood:
• Discuss deepfakes at community meetings or church gatherings
• Help elderly neighbors understand why they shouldn’t trust every video they see
• Organize a “digital literacy” session for your area
Online:
• Share educational content about fake videos (not the fake videos themselves)
• Politely correct people when they share obvious fakes
• Create awareness posts during election seasons when fake videos increase
At Work or School:
• Suggest that your workplace or school include digital literacy training
• Share tips with colleagues about checking sources before believing shocking videos
Remember: You don’t need to be an expert to help. Just sharing the basics of checking sources and trusting your instincts can protect many people.
Qn: What should I do if someone creates a fake video of me or my family?
An: This is a serious violation and you have options:
Immediate Steps:
1. Document everything: Take screenshots, save links, record details about where you found it
2. Don’t share it: Avoid spreading the fake video, even to show people it’s fake
3. Report to platforms: Use Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube’s reporting features
4. Tell trusted friends and family: Let them know it’s fake so they can help stop its spread
Legal Actions:
• Contact a lawyer about defamation or privacy violations
• File a police report, especially if it’s being used for blackmail or harassment
• Report to UCC if it’s being used for commercial fraud
• Consider contacting media advocacy groups who might help
Emotional Support:
• Remember this isn’t your fault
• Seek support from family and friends
• Consider counseling if it’s affecting your mental health
• Know that most people who see fake videos of ordinary people quickly forget them
Prevention for the Future:
• Be careful about what personal videos you share online
• Check privacy settings on all social media accounts
• Be cautious about video calls with people you don’t know well
Final Thoughts: Stay Smart, Stay Safe
The internet has brought us amazing opportunities to connect, learn, and share. But with new technology comes new challenges. The good news is that by staying informed and alert, you can protect yourself and help protect your community.
Remember these key points:
1. When in doubt, don’t share – It’s better to miss sharing a real story than to spread a fake one
2. Check the source – Know who’s telling you something before you believe it
3. Trust your instincts – If something feels wrong, investigate further
4. Ask for help – There’s no shame in asking friends or family “Does this seem real to you?”
5. Stay educated – Technology keeps changing, so keep learning
Most importantly, don’t let fear of fake videos stop you from enjoying the benefits of social media and digital communication. Just be smart about it. Think of yourself as a digital detective – always asking questions, always checking facts, and always protecting your community from scams.
By following these guidelines and sharing them with others, you’re not just protecting yourself – you’re helping build a safer digital Uganda for everyone.
Share this guide with friends and family. Together, we can make it harder for scammers to succeed with fake videos. Knowledge is our best defense.