Deepfake Technology and the Erosion of Digital Trust: A Multi-Layered Defence Framework

Muhammed Seyrek; Merve Yıldırım

Deepfake Technology and the Erosion of Digital Trust: A Multi-Layered Defence Framework

Abstract

Deepfake technology, driven by generative adversarial networks (GANs) and, more recently, diffusion-based models, has evolved from a technical curiosity into a serious cybersecurity threat in less than a decade. Previous studies have largely treated detection algorithms, legal regulation, and media literacy as independent lines of defence; this paper argues that any such single-layer response is structurally inadequate. Building on documented incidents — the 2022 Zelensky video, the 2019 UK CEO voice-fraud case, and the widespread circulation of non-consensual synthetic imagery — together with empirical evidence reported by Sensity AI, Sumsub, and MIT Media Lab, we develop an integrated three-layer defence framework that combines (i) technical detection, (ii) legal and regulatory instruments, and (iii) media literacy and individual verification habits. The study synthesises the current literature, maps the threat landscape across four structural dimensions — democratic integrity, institutional trust, corporate security, and individual rights — and examines implementation challenges, with particular attention to the Turkic world, where dedicated legislation remains limited. The results show that no defensive layer is adequate on its own; effective mitigation of the evolving deepfake threat requires the convergence of all three.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

This study does not require ethics committee approval, as it is a conceptual and literature-based review that does not involve human participants, animal subjects, or the collection of personal data. All authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Natural Language Processing, Planning and Decision Making, Artificial Intelligence (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Muhammed Seyrek ^*
0009-0006-2620-8952
Türkiye

Merve Yıldırım
0000-0001-6834-3470
Türkiye

Publication Date

August 31, 2026

Submission Date

July 3, 2026

Acceptance Date

August 28, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 12 Number: 2

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA26MH28XS

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Seyrek, M., & Yıldırım, M. (2026). Deepfake Technology and the Erosion of Digital Trust: A Multi-Layered Defence Framework. Gazi Journal of Engineering Sciences, 12(2), 285-246. https://izlik.org/JA26MH28XS

AMA

1.Seyrek M, Yıldırım M. Deepfake Technology and the Erosion of Digital Trust: A Multi-Layered Defence Framework. GJES. 2026;12(2):285-246. https://izlik.org/JA26MH28XS

Chicago

Seyrek, Muhammed, and Merve Yıldırım. 2026. “Deepfake Technology and the Erosion of Digital Trust: A Multi-Layered Defence Framework”. Gazi Journal of Engineering Sciences 12 (2): 285-46. https://izlik.org/JA26MH28XS.

EndNote

Seyrek M, Yıldırım M (August 1, 2026) Deepfake Technology and the Erosion of Digital Trust: A Multi-Layered Defence Framework. Gazi Journal of Engineering Sciences 12 2 285–246.

IEEE

[1]M. Seyrek and M. Yıldırım, “Deepfake Technology and the Erosion of Digital Trust: A Multi-Layered Defence Framework”, GJES, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 285–246, Aug. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA26MH28XS

ISNAD

Seyrek, Muhammed - Yıldırım, Merve. “Deepfake Technology and the Erosion of Digital Trust: A Multi-Layered Defence Framework”. Gazi Journal of Engineering Sciences 12/2 (August 1, 2026): 285-246. https://izlik.org/JA26MH28XS.

JAMA

1.Seyrek M, Yıldırım M. Deepfake Technology and the Erosion of Digital Trust: A Multi-Layered Defence Framework. GJES. 2026;12:285–246.

MLA

Seyrek, Muhammed, and Merve Yıldırım. “Deepfake Technology and the Erosion of Digital Trust: A Multi-Layered Defence Framework”. Gazi Journal of Engineering Sciences, vol. 12, no. 2, Aug. 2026, pp. 285-46, https://izlik.org/JA26MH28XS.

Vancouver

1.Muhammed Seyrek, Merve Yıldırım. Deepfake Technology and the Erosion of Digital Trust: A Multi-Layered Defence Framework. GJES [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 1;12(2):285-46. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA26MH28XS