Legal Implications of Deepfake Technology Misuse in Digital Content on Social Media

The proliferation of deepfake technology, characterized by sophisticated artificial intelligence-generated manipulation of digital content, poses significant legal challenges, particularly concerning misuse on social media platforms. This study aims to analyze the legal implications associated with deepfake misuse, examining existing regulatory frameworks and evaluating their effectiveness in addressing issues of defamation, identity fraud, and privacy violations. Employing a normative legal research methodology, this study analyzes secondary data from legal texts, statutes, judicial decisions, and academic literature. Findings reveal substantial gaps in current laws and regulations, highlighting that traditional legal instruments inadequately address the rapidly evolving capabilities and consequences of deepfake technology. Moreover, existing mechanisms struggle to provide timely and effective responses to victims, exacerbating the negative impact of deepfakes on individual rights and social stability. The study emphasizes the urgency for comprehensive legislative reforms, clearer definitions, and stronger enforcement mechanisms to mitigate harm and ensure accountability. Practically, this research provides essential insights for policymakers, legal practitioners, and social media platforms, urging collaborative efforts in developing robust and adaptive regulatory measures. Future studies should explore cross-jurisdictional comparisons and technological solutions to further enhance the effectiveness of legal interventions against deepfake misuse.