4 November 2025
Article
AI, deepfakes and the burden of proof for digital evidence in litigation
In 2022, a deepfake video circulated showing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appearing to
tell Ukrainian soldiers to surrender during the Russian invasion. Although quickly debunked, it
demonstrated how synthetic media could be weaponised for geopolitical ends. The following year, Arup
– the design company behind structures like the Sydney Opera House and the UK’s Channel Tunnel Rail
Link – lost USD 25 million after an employee was deceived by deepfake audio and video impersonating
the UK-based CFO and other executives in a meeting, and convinced to transfer the money to the
perpetrators.
Knowledge Management8 min read
