Deepfake defence workshop

Audience: Survivors, support workers, social workers, advocates, and allies

Duration: 90 minutes (adaptable)

Deepfakes are not just a tech curiosity. In the wrong hands, they are used to harass, discredit, or isolate people — especially survivors of abuse. This session arms participants with the confidence to spot digital manipulation, respond calmly, and help others do the same.

What participants will walk away with

• A clear understanding of what deepfakes are and how they are misused in abuse and coercive control
• Practical tools to detect fake video, audio, and images
• Real-world strategies for responding safely when synthetic media is used as a weapon
• A printed checklist of red flags and steps to take — something to keep, share, or pass along

What you will need

• Projector or large screen
• Laptops/tablets (optional for hands-on use)
• Flipchart or whiteboard
• Printed checklists
• Pre-selected real and fake video/audio clips
• Roleplay scenario cards

Session plan

Plain talk: what is a deepfake? (15 minutes)

Facilitator brief: Explain clearly. No need for tech lectures.

• A deepfake is a digitally altered video, audio or photo that looks or sounds like someone doing or saying something they never actually did.
• Abusers may use them to fabricate revenge porn, false confessions, threats, or humiliating footage.
• Not all deepfakes are malicious, but in abusive contexts they can escalate fear, confusion, and loss of trust.

Analogy (optional): “It’s like a puppet that looks like you, talks like you, and fools people into believing it is you — except it’s made by someone with bad intentions and spread online.”

How to spot a fake (15 minutes)

Group brainstorm: “If you had to fake someone in a video, what might go wrong?”

Note ideas, then offer a printed checklist (example):

Common deepfake warning signs:

• Lip movements don’t match the words
• No blinking — or too much blinking
• Lighting or shadows look ‘off’
• Eyes look frozen or flat
• Ears, jewellery, or hair blur or melt
• Voice sounds robotic or lacks emotion
• Same expressions repeated unnaturally

Print small cards with this checklist for participants to keep.

Spot-the-fake exercise (20 minutes)

Show 5 clips — a mix of real and faked content. After each one:

• Ask participants: Real or fake?

• Vote, reveal, and discuss:

  • “What gave it away?”
  • “Would it fool someone who didn’t know better?”
  • “What damage could this do?”

Include one obvious and one subtle example to show the spectrum.

Scenario roleplay: If it was used against you (20 minutes)

Break into small groups. Each group gets one scenario card (A6 format). These describe realistic deepfake or impersonation threats survivors or volunteers might face.

The scenario might involve:

• A fake nude video spreading in private groups
• A voice message impersonating your boss asking for passwords
• A video where “you” appear to admit to something you never said
• A viral video that looks real, but smells off

Each group discusses three questions. Then, each group shares one insight or tip with everyone.

Facilitator cue: Normalise doubt. These tools are meant to deceive. There is strength in pausing and checking — not reacting fast.

If someone uses a deepfake to target you (10 minutes)

Practical actions:

• Take a breath — you are not alone, and this can be handled
• Save the evidence (video, screenshot, link)
• Write down when and where you saw it
• Report it on the platform (abuse of synthetic media is banned on most)
• Get support — legal, emotional, digital
• Do not confront the person behind it alone

Encourage contacting a support worker before taking steps.

Questions & myth-busting (10 minutes)

Open floor for Q&A. Address common myths:

• “You have to be famous to be targeted” – Not true.
• “Deepfakes are perfect now” – Still flawed.
• “If it looks real, it is real” – Exactly the trap.

Optional extras

• Mini demo: If safe, show a voice or face clone using free tools, then debrief how this tech is being abused.

• Takeaway pack: Printable PDF or card with:

  • Red flag checklist
  • What to do if targeted
  • Local support services
  • Reporting guidance

• Follow-up: Book a 1:1 drop-in session to get help with reporting or verifying media content.