Authors: Áine MacDermott
DFRWS EU 2026
Abstract
In a digital world where “truth” can be rewritten with a few lines of code, Ctrl+Alt+Deceit has become the new normal for forensic practitioners. The rapid growth of deepfake technologies presents a mounting challenge for digital forensics, threatening the integrity and reliability of multimedia evidence. This paper presents findings from a practitioner-focused survey designed to assess the real-world impact of synthetic media on forensic workflows. The study explores the prevalence of deepfake-related cases, regional trends in AI-generated media, and the operational readiness of digital forensic units (DFUs) to respond to these emerging threats. Despite increasing interest in detection technologies, the results reveal a substantial gap between technical capabilities and practical deployment, with many DFUs operating without formal guidance, policy structures, or legislative backing. The paper concludes with a set of best practice recommendations tailored to the unique demands of deepfake forensics, offering insights to support both practitioners and researchers in developing robust, informed approaches to multimedia evidence in the era of synthetic media.