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Anyone can be deceived by deepfakes, especially as AI technology becomes more sophisticated and less amateurish.

With minimal regulations in place, social media has become a minefield of fake, AI-enhanced images and audio. As the November election draws closer, the prevalence of deepfakes seems to be at an all-time high.

No, Taylor Swift did not release a poster supporting GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump while dressed as Uncle Sam. (However, this didn’t stop the former president from sharing it on his Truth Social platform.)

That “campaign video” — reposted by tech mogul Elon Musk — where Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, discusses President Joe Biden’s “senility”? Also fake.

In a more unsettling incident earlier this year, robocalls using AI to replicate Biden’s voice were used to discourage voters from participating in the New Hampshire primary.

Trump himself has been a target of AI-manipulated imagery — remember those fake photos of him in police custody before his first criminal indictment? He’s also fueled distrust by claiming that images showing crowds at Harris’ campaign events were artificially enhanced.

A staggering 78% of American adults anticipate that the misuse of deepfakes and AI systems will influence the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, according to a survey conducted by Elon University Poll and the Imagining the Digital Future Center at Elon University in North Carolina.

Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have been subjects of AI-altered media during the 2024 presidential election cycle.

The same survey revealed that 45% of American adults lack confidence in their ability to spot fake photos.

“It was very striking that this uncertainty was across the board among demographic groups,” said Lee Rainie, the director of the Imagining the Digital Future Center, in an interview with HuffPost.

“Young people and their elders, well educated and less well educated, men and women, Republicans and Democrats, all expressed some level of this self-doubt. I take that to mean that Americans themselves worry they can be victimized,” Rainie added.

While baby boomers often get blamed for falling for some of the more outlandish examples of AI — like images of skiing dogs or famine-related content meant to tug at heartstrings — the truth is, anyone can be fooled by deepfakes, especially as AI technology becomes more advanced.

“Oftentimes, people get duped by AI content that reinforces their own interests or preferences,” said Julia Feerrar, an associate professor and head of digital literacy initiatives at Virginia Tech’s University Libraries.

“I’ve almost been fooled multiple times by fake social media posts about reboots of my favorite TV shows,” she admitted. “So much misleading content is created to appeal to our emotions, whether that’s shock, anger, or excitement. And it’s such a human thing to want to act on those feelings by sharing.”

Since anyone can fall for these tricks, it’s likely that at some point, one of your friends or family members will share fake content. When that happens, should you speak up, or just let it slide? Here’s what experts suggest.

Consider the potential harm to someone’s reputation

If someone has shared or endorsed a fake image, video, or audio clip, they might appreciate knowing the truth so they can remove it before it damages their credibility. Rainie believes it’s kind and empathetic to discreetly inform them of the mistake.

“You know that old Ad Council public service message against drunk driving with the tagline ‘friends don’t let friends drive drunk’? In the age of deepfakes that can spread rapidly on social media, the modern equivalent could be ‘friends don’t let friends look like fools,’” Rainie said.

“I think we’re still at a point where most people aren’t actively looking out for AI-generated content and probably shared with no ill intent,” added Feerrar.

Think about how it might affect your relationship

Feerrar generally recommends pointing out fake images, noting that a gentle nudge from a friend can raise awareness.

“However, the stakes of the content itself and the nature of your relationship with the person who shared it are important factors in deciding whether to call out misinformation publicly, message someone privately, or simply keep scrolling,” she explained.

Address it privately if possible

Most people prefer to avoid confrontation. If you do decide to speak up, public shaming is unlikely to help and might even worsen the situation, said Janet Coats, managing director of the Consortium on Trust in Media and Technology at the University of Florida.

She suggests messaging the person privately, or better yet, having a face-to-face conversation or phone call instead of using texts or private messages.

“Our research has found that one-on-one conversation gives people space to listen and reason, rather than immediately becoming defensive,” Coats told HuffPost. “The best chance we have for improving information quality is when we actually talk to each other.”

If you need to inform someone that a picture they posted online is fake, it’s better to do it privately than in a public comment.

Remember that you could be fooled too, so stay vigilant

While AI-generated images still often exhibit strange, hyperreal qualities and inconsistencies, such as garbled text, awkward transitions between objects, or malformed hands, these flaws are becoming less obvious as AI tools improve. It’s possible that even you could be deceived by such images.

If you encounter content that triggers strong emotions or seems suspicious, take a moment to analyze it critically, Feerrar advised. Don’t rely solely on appearances to determine if an image is real.

“Use your search engine to describe what you’re seeing and add the phrase ‘fact check’ to your search,” she suggested. “The search results should help you assess the accuracy of the content.”

Feerrar also recommended asking yourself: Where did this content originate? Is it from a reputable news source or a trusted platform? Can you find other sources reporting on the same thing?

“Luckily, those questions can often be answered with a quick search in a new browser window,” she said.

As tech algorithms continue to promote AI content, this kind of reflexive, DIY fact-checking will need to become a part of our evolving digital literacy. “It’s going to take all of us to keep figuring out what it means to be a person in our digital world,” Feerrar concluded.

With the rise of technology, including AI, travel scams are becoming increasingly common, casting a shadow over your much-anticipated vacation. Scammers now have more opportunities than ever to target unsuspecting travelers, from booking to the journey’s end.

“Travel scams have been a threat for years, but with technological advancements, there’s been a noticeable rise,” said Julian Moro, Senior Vice President and Regional Security Director at International SOS. “These advancements have made travelers easier targets throughout their journey. The sophistication and frequency of these scams have also grown, leading to increased awareness and caution.”

The rise of AI has particularly fueled this surge, as noted by Booking.com’s safety expert, who reported a dramatic “500 to 900% increase” in travel scams over the past 18 months. Ally Armeson, Executive Director of Programs at the Cybercrime Support Network, explains, “AI allows cybercriminals to operate on a larger scale with minimal costs. What used to take hours can now be accomplished in seconds, leading to a proliferation of nearly undetectable scams.”

Your chances of encountering a scam, and the type you might face, can vary depending on where you’re traveling. As travel writer Matthew Kepnes, also known as Nomadic Matt, pointed out, “Scams differ by region. While many won’t cause harm, some can be costly, leading to the loss of valuables like your wallet or phone.”

To help you steer clear of these pitfalls, experts have highlighted some of the most common travel scams to watch out for:

Fake Travel Document Websites
A common scam involves fraudulent websites posing as official services to help renew passports or enroll in programs like TSA PreCheck. Amy Nofziger, Director of Victim Support at the AARP Fraud Watch Network, warns, “After the pandemic, many people turned to look-alike websites, leading to lost money and compromised personal information.”

Taxi Overcharge
Beware of taxi drivers claiming their meter is broken and offering a flat rate far above the norm. “Don’t accept a ride if the driver says the meter is broken,” Moro cautioned. Ned S. Levi, a travel scam expert, adds, “You might find yourself facing an inflated fare with little recourse.”

Unsecured Wi-Fi and Hotspots
Cybercriminals often exploit unsecured Wi-Fi networks in public areas like airports. “Hackers can set up fake networks to access your device and steal data,” Armeson explained. Always verify the network and avoid unsecured connections.

Car Rental Scams
Nofziger warns of fake customer service numbers offering too-good-to-be-true deals on rental cars, often requiring upfront payment through prepaid gift cards. “Victims usually realize they’ve been scammed only when they arrive at their destination, and no rental car is waiting,” she said. Another scam involves false claims of damage after returning the vehicle, so be sure to document the car’s condition thoroughly.

Emergency Calls
Robocallers might contact your family, claiming you’re in an emergency and urgently need money. Moro advises setting up a code word with loved ones before you travel to distinguish real emergencies from scams.

‘Closed’ Tourist Attractions
Scammers may tell you a tourist site is closed and offer to take you somewhere else, often leading to pressure to make purchases. Always verify closures through official sources and avoid buying tickets from unauthorized sellers.

Fake Customer Service
AI is being used to mimic customer service representatives, tricking travelers into fraudulent transactions. Scammers scour social media for frustrated travelers and then pose as airline representatives offering help, only to steal your information.

Street Scams
Be cautious when strangers approach you, as this could be a distraction while an accomplice pickpockets you. Moro advises travelers to be aware of their surroundings and keep belongings secure. Kepnes adds that some scammers may spill something on you or ask you to sign a petition, using the distraction to steal your valuables.

ATM Scams
Scammers can use card readers to clone your card. Moro recommends withdrawing cash before your trip and using the tap feature whenever possible to avoid inserting your card into potentially compromised machines.

Fraudulent Booking Websites
Cybercriminals create fake booking websites that look legitimate but steal your money or personal data. Always use reputable platforms and avoid third-party sites. Armeson notes that AI has made these scams even more convincing, so be vigilant.

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam, take immediate action to protect your data and finances. Cut off communication with the scammer, report the incident, monitor your accounts, and change passwords. If the scam involves significant losses, consider freezing your credit and contacting your travel insurance provider.

As Kepnes wisely advises, “If you’ve only lost a few dollars, consider it a lesson learned. Pay closer attention next time.”

With these tips in mind, you can enjoy your travels while staying one step ahead of potential scams.

Halle Berry recently shared some heartfelt praise for her former co-star Pierce Brosnan, reflecting on their time together filming the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day. While the movie itself received mixed reviews and marked Brosnan’s final appearance as the iconic 007, Halle expressed that he remains her favorite Bond and that he restored her faith in men.

“Pierce will always be my Bond, without question,” Halle said in a recent interview with Wired. She portrayed NSA agent Jinx Johnson in the film, and despite the movie’s shortcomings, she fondly remembers her experience working with Brosnan. “I’m a huge fan of Pierce Brosnan. He is the epitome of a gentleman, and working with him gave me renewed hope in men.”

Reflecting on her role in Die Another Day, Halle shared, “Being part of a Bond film feels like being woven into cinematic history. These films are legendary, and I’m truly honored to have been part of one, especially with Pierce by my side.”

Halle, who made history as the first Black woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Monster’s Ball in 2001, has been busy promoting her latest project, The Union, alongside Mark Wahlberg. Recently, she also celebrated her 58th birthday in style and marked the 20th anniversary of Catwoman with a bold photoshoot. Despite the widespread criticism Catwoman received, Halle remains unbothered, famously telling critics to stop complaining.

Speaking to Wired about her Bond experience, Halle admitted that starring in a Bond film wasn’t something she had actively sought out. Die Another Day may not have been a standout entry in the franchise, particularly when compared to the more grounded spy films of its time, but Halle cherishes the memories and the opportunity to be part of such an iconic series.

At the time of the film’s release, critics like Todd McCarthy of Variety noted that while Die Another Day had some enjoyable moments, it ventured into CGI-heavy, almost sci-fi territory that strayed from the traditional Bond formula. Nonetheless, Brosnan had already left a lasting impression with his debut as Bond in GoldenEye in 1995. Although his tenure ended on a less-than-stellar note, his impact on the franchise remains significant.

As for Halle, she’s no stranger to criticism, having faced her share with Catwoman. However, she takes it all in stride, humorously addressing the negativity on The Tonight Show by saying, “The critics said it was terrible… but let’s be honest, balls aren’t that bad!”

Britain’s top civil servant is being urged to look into the circumstances surrounding the issuance of a No.10 security pass to a prominent Labour donor.

In an unusual turn of events, Lord Alli, a significant supporter of the Labour Party, received the pass shortly after Keir Starmer’s sweeping general election victory on July 4. Lord Alli, who has contributed £500,000 to Labour and covered £16,200 in “work clothing” expenses for the prime minister, was granted the pass within days of the election.

Downing Street sources have indicated to HuffPost UK that the pass was issued on a “temporary” basis and was returned “weeks ago.” However, there remains confusion among senior ministers, with some admitting they have “no idea” why the pass was granted in the first place.

Shadow paymaster general John Glen has now called on Simon Case, the cabinet secretary, to investigate who authorized Lord Alli’s pass, which provided him with unrestricted access to No.10. Glen expressed concern that such a privilege should be reserved for those with a genuine need for access, such as civil servants and special advisers, not for individuals requiring occasional entry. He emphasized that it was “deeply concerning” that a major Labour donor was given such access following substantial cash and non-cash donations to the party.

When questioned about the issue, cabinet minister Pat McFadden offered little clarity. He acknowledged that it is not uncommon for individuals to receive passes to attend political meetings when necessary but noted that Lord Alli no longer holds the pass. McFadden reassured that Lord Alli had not been involved in any governmental decisions and did not hold any policy responsibilities.

McFadden also highlighted Lord Alli’s contributions to the Labour Party, stating that he played an important role in the election campaign and is a “highly respected peer.” He insisted that nothing had been done that conflicted with established rules.