Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"Deepfakes: The Coming Infocalypse" by Nina Schick is a compelling exploration into the burgeoning world of deepfake technology and its potential to disrupt the very fabric of truth in our digital age. Schick, an investigative journalist, delves into the heart of a phenomenon that could herald a new era of misinformation, aptly termed the "Infocalypse."

The book opens with a robust introduction to deepfakes, providing readers with a clear understanding of the technology's mechanics and its early iterations. Schick's writing is accessible, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with artificial intelligence can grasp the concepts discussed. However, the book's strength lies not just in explaining the technology but in painting a vivid picture of its implications.

As the narrative unfolds, Schick takes us on a journey through the political landscapes that could be -and have been - altered by the misuse of deepfakes. She illustrates how this technology transcends mere novelty, becoming a tool for manipulation and deceit that poses a real threat to democratic processes and public trust. The examples provided are both enlightening and chilling, serving as a wake-up call to the dangers lurking within our screens.

While the book is informative, it is not without its criticisms. Some readers may find that the middle sections deviate from the central topic, focusing more on political events than on deepfakes themselves. This diversion, while providing context, might detract from the urgency of addressing the core issue at hand. Nevertheless, Schick reconvenes on the subject towards the end, offering insights into the future challenges we face as deepfakes become more sophisticated.

"Deepfakes: The Coming Infocalypse" is a crucial read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, politics, and society. It serves as a stark reminder that while technology advances, so too must our vigilance in preserving the sanctity of truth. Schick's work is a clarion call for preparedness against an invisible enemy that can distort reality, urging governments, tech companies, and individuals to take action before the Infocalypse becomes an irreversible reality.

In summary, Nina Schick's book is an essential guide to understanding the deepfake phenomenon. It is a well-researched, thought-provoking piece that will leave readers more informed and, hopefully, more equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital world.

Great book! Full of education on technical advancement, but told in telateable terms. I really enjoyed learning about this topic. Deep fakes plague my fears and dis information twists my gut. Thank you for shedding light on this tough topic.

Informative well written and the concept of deep fakes is very frightening.The author.through her investigation studies explains so much about our world today and the dangers .Highly recommend this book for bookclub discussions and classroom talk.#netgalley #tenbooks

This book was a bit slow moving in parts but that’s to be expected. I had assumed there’d be more information on the technical side of deep fakes but this is more on the geopolitical ramifications of deep fakes. Overall I’m glad I came across this and read it. Always good to be aware of the Infocalypse. around us.

EVeryone should read this book and books like this about deepfakes. It's going to become impossible for us to tell what is real and what's not and that's a very scary thought especially when thinking about the court room and how we can prove ourselves innocent if there is false evidence. This book made me think a lot about the consequences people will have and how mostly women will be a target with this because there is already so much violence against women, this is just one more tool to be used against them. I would have liked to learn more about this but overall this book was very informative.

While the information conveyed in the book is interesting and informative, it seems like the author was trying to get everything out as quickly as possible, without explaining some of the thought process or possible issues to the fullest possible extent. Still, a good read to lead you to dig deeper and warn you of how easily one can be fooled.

deepfakes are kinda terrifying, the book was well researched and I enjoyed getting to know more about this topic.

Very timely and important book about dangers of the information ecosystem in which we all live. Author, an expert on the topic of how technology is reshaping politics, explains the existing mechanisms and gives many fascinating examples of dis- and misinformation from all over the world. Her writing is accessible and plain, so it isn't a book for specialists, but even if you are interested in this subject you will find here many interesting facts. The book is so fresh that there is even an analysis of current COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, she doesn’t stop at describing the reality, she also predicts future trends and gives useful tools and resources to counteract.

Highly recommended for everyone who cares about the future of our societies.

Thanks to the publisher, Twelve Books, and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book.