ST. PETERSBURG, June 20. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova sees the widespread use of deepfakes as a new form of "informational barbarism" and urged international cooperation to combat this threat.
"As for completely new offshoots of the disinformation order, in 2024, we had to face deepfake technology on an entirely new, large scale. If before, deepfakes were a novelty that people could easily identify, today, the quality and quantity of deepfakes raise the question: is humanity capable of responding to such attacks?" the diplomat said at the 19th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA), held by TASS on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). "I don't have a clear answer," Zakharova pointed out.
She also cited expert data indicating that, by the end of 2025, one in two Russians may face a deepfake attack by cybercriminals. In 2026, attackers will be able to simulate, in real time, a conversation between a victim and a relative or friend supposedly in trouble who supposedly urgently needs financial assistance.
In her opinion, fakes and deepfakes are "a global problem." "There are many problems on today's international agenda, but this problem is global and affects everyone. It should unite us to counter it collectively," Zakharova pointed out. She noted that the Russian side "already has experience with such unifying work."
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) is taking place on June 18-21. This year, the event is being under the theme "Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World." Thematic zones such as the ‘Territory of Innovations’ and the national brand space ‘Buy Russian!’ will operate at the Forum.
The program includes the SME Forum, the Creative Industries Forum, the Day of the Future International Youth Economic Forum, the Drug Security Forum, and the Roscongress Urban Hub discussion platform. As part of the cultural program, the Petersburg Seasons festival will be held, and the SPIEF Sports Games will take place.
The Roscongress Foundation is the organizer of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. TASS is its information partner.