The rising disinformation risk of audio deepfakes in Nigeria

Abstract

The general increase in the spread of disinformation in the synthetic media have not attracted the interest of many scholars who have remained more focused on manipulated images and videos, than manipulated audio. In Nigeria, this gap has become significant because of how mobile-first communication and private messaging platforms play a key role in everyday exchange of information.  Voice notes are extensively employed in social, religious and political circles and in many instances, they have an effect on familiarity and trust. This review looks at how the audio deepfakes can leverage patterns of communication to cause harm. Through documented Nigerian cases and relevant studies on information disorder, media credibility and technology mediation, the article reflects on voice-based manipulation interacting with platform affordances and trust practices that are ingrained within the culture. It pays specific attention to WhatsApp voice message and how the perception of intimacy and authenticity determines belief. The results indicate that audio deepfakes are a unique disinformation threat in a situation where hearing is an informal verification foundation. Even though the analysis is based on Nigeria, it is worth noting that this vulnerability can be experienced in other mobile-first settings. In order to deal with such new threats, it will take more than merely being attentive to detection technologies and also social norms, platform design and social awareness towards voice-based deception.