By Johana Gutierrez

The internet, as we know it, has only been around since the early 1990s. Yet, as of October 2024, there were over 5.52 billion internet users worldwide, more than half of the global population. This rapid expansion has granted unparalleled access to knowledge and communication, making the internet a cornerstone of modern information and a daily necessity for billions. However, with this widespread reliance comes inherent vulnerabilities, an inevitable consequence of any vast interconnected system.

What is the Immune System of the Internet?

Much like the human body depends on an immune system to protect against harmful pathogens, the internet requires its own set of mechanisms to defend against digital threats that exploit its vulnerabilities. These digital defenses form what can be thought of as the “immune system of the internet.” Just as the human immune system is critical for sustaining life, a robust digital immune system is essential for preserving trust and integrity in our shared online ecosystem.

One of the most pressing digital threats today is the proliferation of false information, which can be broadly classified into two categories: misinformation and disinformation. The key difference between them lies in intent. Misinformation refers to inaccurate or misleading information shared without malicious intent, often due to misunderstanding or lack of knowledge. Disinformation, however, is deliberately crafted with the intent to deceive, manipulate, or cause harm. Both exploit vulnerabilities in the digital world and, much like pathogens, take advantage of weaknesses in our internet’s immune system (Farid, 2022).

The widespread trust people place in information found online has sparked growing concern over the rapid spread of false narratives. Social media platforms, for example, have increasingly become primary news sources for a vast majority of internet users. According to Pew Research Center (2024), “about half of TikTok users (52%) say they regularly get news on the site,” and “the share of users who get news has also risen on several other sites, including YouTube and Instagram.” With billions of active users globally, the interconnected nature of the internet means that information shared by one person can reach millions within minutes. This shift has allowed false information to spread rapidly across these platforms, where it is amplified by algorithms that prioritize engagement.

 Moreover, a UNESCO survey found that “62% of digital content creators do not check accuracy before sharing content with their audiences” (UNESCO, 2024). This lack of verification compounds the problem, as unverified information continues to circulate, contributing to widespread confusion. 

Innovations in Generative AI

Innovations in generative AI have also greatly contributed to the spread and sophistication of false narratives. In the past, creating synthesized voices, images, and videos required advanced technical skills and significant computational power. Now, individuals with minimal expertise can generate convincing “deepfakes” using user-friendly apps or platforms. According to Farid (2022), “There are now multiple apps and websites to create non-consensual sexual imagery with taglines like ‘the superpower you always wanted’ or ‘see any girl clotheless with the click of a button.” This ease of use, combined with the increasing quality of the outputs, has made deepfakes a powerful tool for spreading misinformation and disinformation. Deepfakes have been used to impersonate public figures, fabricate events, and erode trust in authentic media, often with the aim of manipulating public opinion, tarnishing reputations, or scamming users out of large sums of money.

Impersonators, deepfakes, and unauthorized content like non-consensual intimate images (NCII) are a few of the many pathogens that can harm the greater system.

How Does the Immune System of the Internet Protect Itself and Users from Digital Threats?

When a harmful pathogen, like a deepfake, begins to spread across the internet, the digital immune system kicks in, using a combination of technology, human intervention, and policies to counteract its impact.

The first line of defense is automated detection systems. Advanced AI tools are designed to analyze language, context, and inconsistencies in lighting, facial movements, or audio syncing to aid in the detection of false information. Once flagged, content undergoes a verification process where human moderators and third-party fact-checkers evaluate its authenticity. Harmful deepfakes are often removed or labeled with warnings to inform viewers about their false nature. Platforms may also attempt to limit their reach by downranking them in algorithms (Clark, 2024).

Although these tools are already in place on many online platforms, existing tools have limitations and often require crowdsourcing, a viable strategy for facilitating the identification of misinformation quickly and at scale (Martel et al., 2024).

The limitations of existing digital defenses have driven companies like Loti AI to develop advanced methods to combat the threats posed by synthetic media and unauthorized content. Loti combines AI technology with automated processes to scan the internet daily, identifying harmful material like deepfakes and impersonations across social media platforms and the open web. Acting as a safeguard for the internet’s ecosystem, Loti mirrors the function of a vaccine, using AI to strengthen digital defenses against the very threats it helps create.

“Loti is able to find these deepfakes and impersonations quickly, but we have to work with platforms to remove them, and time is of the essence,” says Luke Arrigoni. “The biggest challenge we face is getting social media platforms to act faster on takedowns. The longer these pathogens remain on the internet, the more harm they can cause.”

Loti uses machine learning models paired with voice and face recognition to detect deepfakes and unauthorized content with exceptional precision. Once identified, Loti automates takedown requests using the internet’s second line of defense: legal mechanisms like the DMCA, NIL protection laws, and regulations such as Tennessee’s ELVIS Act.

The Role of Policy and Governance

Legal and policy frameworks provide critical systemic support in the fight against deepfake misuse and other forms of misinformation. Established laws like the DMCA enable creators and rights holders to issue takedown requests for unauthorized content, giving them some control over the misuse of their intellectual property. Beyond copyright, governments are increasingly addressing the unique challenges posed by emerging technologies. For instance, the Take It Down Act, which passed the Senate on December 3, 2024, requires covered platforms to remove non-consensual intimate images and introduces measures to address other harmful online practices. This landmark legislation reflects a growing recognition of the need for stronger protections against the misuse of AI-driven tools like deepfake technology.

By collaborating closely with social media platforms and working within the framework of existing laws, Loti plays a critical role in ensuring that the rapid pace of technological advancements aligns with the broader goal of maintaining trust and security in the digital landscape.

The internet’s immune system, much like that of the human body, thrives on proactive vigilance and rapid response to emerging threats. Strengthening this immune system requires not only advanced technology but also collective action from platforms, policymakers, and users alike. Identifying, countering, and educating about these threats is crucial for fostering a healthier, more resilient internet.