EP. 77 | Deepfakes and the Rise of AI-Enabled Crime with Hany Farid

AI reshaping society — the way we live and work. However, it is also supercharging illicit activity from deepfakes to automated fraud, large-scale cyberattacks to child exploitation. In this episode Ari sits down with Hany Farid, UC Berkeley professor and leading expert on deepfakes and AI-driven deception, to unpack how criminals are exploiting artificial intelligence to manipulate reality, commit crimes, and challenge global security.

Hany kicks off the episode with a jaw-dropping live deepfake demonstration, impersonating Ari in real time — a stark warning about how AI-generated identities can be used to deceive businesses, governments, and individuals. From fraudsters using deepfakes to bypass KYC and infiltrate financial institutions, to nation-state actors leveraging AI to spread disinformation and wage cyber warfare, the conversation explores the far-reaching implications of this rapidly evolving technology.Ari and Hany also discuss real-world examples of AI-driven crime, including:

• Synthetic identity fraud and deepfake scams targeting banks and crypto platforms
• Cybercriminals using AI-powered phishing and social engineering attacks
• The role of AI in North Korea’s cybercrime operations
• How deepfakes could be weaponized for political and national security threats
• The ethical and legal challenges surrounding AI-generated content

Despite the risks, there is hope. Ari and Hany dive into the critical need for AI-powered defenses, regulatory frameworks, and public-private collaboration to combat these emerging threats. They discuss the importance of blockchain intelligence, deepfake detection tools, and cybersecurity innovations in staying ahead of bad actors who are weaponizing AI. This is one of the most eye-opening TRM Talks episodes to date — don’t miss this deep dive into the intersection of AI, crime, and security.

Today's Guest

Hany Farid, Professor, University of California, Berkeley

Host: Ari Redbord, Global Head of Policy, TRM Labs