A systematic literature review of deepfakes in forensic science

This research explores the complex implications of deepfakes, a controversial application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep learning in forensic science. It highlights the ethical dilemmas and technological challenges associated with their use, emphasizing the growing risk deepfakes pose to the integrity of digital evidence. The study also addresses the ongoing ‘arms race’ between the development of increasingly sophisticated deepfakes content and the progress in detection tools. Additionally, it investigates the psychological and legal aspects of deepfakes, advocating for critical technological advancements and ethical frameworks to mitigate the associated risks. A systematic literature review of 36 selected research articles published between 2021 and 2024 across seven academic databases was conducted. The analysis identifies key research trends, categorizes essential keywords, and examines the various forensic approaches employed in deepfakes research. The findings reveal that, while progress has been made in deepfakes detection and forensic analysis, interdisciplinary collaboration is urgently needed to establish standardized methods and frameworks to combat digital manipulation. Continuous advancements in detection techniques, alongside the integration of ethical considerations into forensic practices, will be crucial to preserving the integrity of digital evidence amidst the rapid evolution of deepfakes technology.