Deepfake Technology, Media, and National Security: The Case of the German Chancellor’s Deepfake Video

Ahmet Görgen; Can Saygıner

doi:10.17752/guvenlikstrtj.1706990

EN TR

Deepfake Technology, Media, and National Security: The Case of the German Chancellor’s Deepfake Video

Abstract

Deepfake technology has become a powerful tool in shaping media narratives and public perception, particularly in the realm of political discourse. This study analyzes the impact of deepfake videos on media agenda-setting and national security, using the case study of a deepfake video featuring German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announcing a ban on the far-right party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). Through a qualitative content analysis of eight major German media outlets, the study identifies the frames used in reporting on the video, its ethical and political implications, and the role of the media in curbing misinformation. The findings reveal that while the coverage successfully debunked the deepfake, it also sparked discussions about the potential for AI-generated content to influence political discourse and undermine democratic integrity. By examining this case, the study contributes to ongoing discussions about the intersection of AI, media credibility, and political communication. Furthermore, it highlights the risks that deepfake technology poses not only to media and political communication but also to national security. This research helps to understand how deepfake content has the potential to legitimize narratives and outlines the need for a more systemic response towards addressing the threats posed by synthetic content in the digital ecosystem.

Keywords

Deepfake Teknolojisi, Medya ve Ulusal Güvenlik: Almanya Şansölyesinin Deepfake Videosu Örneği

Abstract

Deepfake teknolojisi, özellikle siyasi söylem olmak üzere medya anlatılarında ve kamu algısında etkili bir şekilde kullanılan bir araç haline gelmiştir. Bu makale, Almanya Başbakanı Olaf Scholz’un aşırı sağcı Almanya İçin Alternatif (AfD) partisinin yasaklandığını duyurduğu deepfake videosunu vaka çalışması olarak kullanarak deepfake videolarının medya gündemini belirleme ve bu bağlamda ulusal güvenliğe etkisini araştırmaktadır. Sekiz büyük Alman medya kuruluşunun nitel içerik analizinden yararlanan çalışma, videonun haberleştirilmesinde kullanılan çerçeveleri, etikpolitik çıkarımlarını ve medyanın yanlış bilgilendirmeyi engellemedeki rolünü ortaya koymaktadır. Bulgular medyanın deepfake’i çürütmek için çok şey yapmış olsa da yapay zekâ tarafından üretilen içeriğin siyasi söylemi ve demokratik bütünlüğü etkileme potansiyeli hakkındaki tartışmaları da güçlendirmeye hizmet ettiğini ortaya çıkarmaktadır. Çalışma ayrıca, yapay zekâ, medya güvenilirliği ve siyasi iletişimin bir araya gelmesiyle ilgili güncel tartışmalara katkı sağlamaktadır. Bu bağlamda, çalışma deepfake teknolojisinin yalnızca medya ve siyasal iletişim üzerinde değil, aynı zamanda ulusal güvenlik üzerinde yaratabileceği riskleri tartışmaya açmaktadır. Bu araştırma, deepfake içeriğinin anlatıları meşrulaştırma potansiyelinin nasıl olduğunu anlamaya yardımcı olmakta ve dijital ekosistemde sentetik içeriğin oluşturduğu tehditleri ele almak için daha sistemik bir yanıta duyulan ihtiyacı özetlemektedir.

Keywords

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Political Science (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Ahmet Görgen ^*
0000-0001-9647-2691
Türkiye

Can Saygıner
0000-0002-1680-392X
Türkiye

Publication Date

August 25, 2025

Submission Date

May 27, 2025

Acceptance Date

August 11, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 21 Number: 51

DOI

https://doi.org/10.17752/guvenlikstrtj.1706990

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA63JX58DC

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Görgen, A., & Saygıner, C. (2025). Deepfake Technology, Media, and National Security: The Case of the German Chancellor’s Deepfake Video. Güvenlik Stratejileri Dergisi, 21(51), 279-297. https://doi.org/10.17752/guvenlikstrtj.1706990

AMA

1.Görgen A, Saygıner C. Deepfake Technology, Media, and National Security: The Case of the German Chancellor’s Deepfake Video. Güvenlik Stratejileri Dergisi. 2025;21(51):279-297. doi:10.17752/guvenlikstrtj.1706990

Chicago

Görgen, Ahmet, and Can Saygıner. 2025. “Deepfake Technology, Media, and National Security: The Case of the German Chancellor’s Deepfake Video”. Güvenlik Stratejileri Dergisi 21 (51): 279-97. https://doi.org/10.17752/guvenlikstrtj.1706990.

EndNote

Görgen A, Saygıner C (August 1, 2025) Deepfake Technology, Media, and National Security: The Case of the German Chancellor’s Deepfake Video. Güvenlik Stratejileri Dergisi 21 51 279–297.

IEEE

[1]A. Görgen and C. Saygıner, “Deepfake Technology, Media, and National Security: The Case of the German Chancellor’s Deepfake Video”, Güvenlik Stratejileri Dergisi, vol. 21, no. 51, pp. 279–297, Aug. 2025, doi: 10.17752/guvenlikstrtj.1706990.

ISNAD

Görgen, Ahmet - Saygıner, Can. “Deepfake Technology, Media, and National Security: The Case of the German Chancellor’s Deepfake Video”. Güvenlik Stratejileri Dergisi 21/51 (August 1, 2025): 279-297. https://doi.org/10.17752/guvenlikstrtj.1706990.

JAMA

1.Görgen A, Saygıner C. Deepfake Technology, Media, and National Security: The Case of the German Chancellor’s Deepfake Video. Güvenlik Stratejileri Dergisi. 2025;21:279–297.

MLA

Görgen, Ahmet, and Can Saygıner. “Deepfake Technology, Media, and National Security: The Case of the German Chancellor’s Deepfake Video”. Güvenlik Stratejileri Dergisi, vol. 21, no. 51, Aug. 2025, pp. 279-97, doi:10.17752/guvenlikstrtj.1706990.

Vancouver

1.Ahmet Görgen, Can Saygıner. Deepfake Technology, Media, and National Security: The Case of the German Chancellor’s Deepfake Video. Güvenlik Stratejileri Dergisi. 2025 Aug. 1;21(51):279-97. doi:10.17752/guvenlikstrtj.1706990