As Internet security becomes more sophisticated, so does technology designed to get around it. Case-in-point: Facebook officials on Friday removed numerous bogus accounts featuring realistic-looking profile pics that were actually computer-generated.
While it isn't the first time fake photos have been used to add credibility to scam accounts, those used in the past were usually pilfered shots of real people. The new method marks the first time artificially-generated pictures of fake people have been generated on such a large scale, Facebook officials say. The mugshots feature people from all walks of life, each staring straight into the "camera" and smiling. The accounts were part of a network that supports President Trump and criticizes the Chinese government, officials with the social media giant says.
As advanced as the technology is, experts say it often falls short on making facial features symmetrical. Details in a fake photo's background often also aren't up to par. Facebook investigators say they looked for such flaws in weeding out the phonies.