Deepfakes pose one of the greatest challenges to our digital society. The recent surge in sex deepfake videos has reignited the debate. Instead of developing innovative solutions, however, policymakers are resorting to a well-known but highly problematic measure: data retention. Contributions from 2007 (to be published in week 14) and 2008 (to be published in week 15) in the context of The Real Trillion Dollar GAP demonstrate that blanket surveillance is neither effective nor proportionate. What is particularly critical is that the debate ignores a technically feasible alternative that protects citizens‘ freedoms while enabling investigations: WAN-anonymous data retention.
Why Data Retention Fails
The idea of curbing deepfakes through the comprehensive storage of connection data is flawed for several reasons:
- Fundamental rights are sacrificed: The indiscriminate storage of all citizens‘ communication data is a disproportionate interference with privacy.
- Criminals bypass the system: Professional criminals use encryption, VPNs, or foreign servers, rendering the data useless for investigators.
- Data overload burdens authorities: The sheer volume of collected data hampers targeted investigations rather than facilitating them.
Yet there is a better way: WAN-anonymous data retention.
WAN Anonymity: Security Without Surveillance
The concept of WAN anonymity (Wide Area Network) allows connection data to be stored technically without directly linking it to individuals. Here’s how it works:
- Data is encrypted and fragmented and stored in decentralized network nodes.
- Only with a judicial order can the fragments be reassembled and attributed to a user.
- Innocent individuals remain anonymous, while investigators gain targeted access in cases of concrete suspicion.
This method was already described as technically feasible and compliant with fundamental rights in 2007/2008 in The Real Trillion Dollar GAP. However, even this solution is not necessary, because:
The Real Solution: Decentralized Systems like EU-D-S
Instead of relying on surveillance, we need digital infrastructure that combines freedom and security. This is precisely the goal of the EU-D-S project:
- Decentralized data storage prevents power concentration among gatekeepers.
- AI-powered analysis identifies manipulated content without spying on users.
- Legal clarity provides protections for victims and enables the prosecution of offenders.
Conclusion: Preserve Freedom, Leverage Technology
The current debate on data retention is a relapse into old patterns of thinking. Instead of repeating past mistakes, we should focus on innovative, fundamental rights-compliant solutions—such as WAN anonymity or decentralized networks. Only in this way can we effectively combat deepfakes without sacrificing our democratic values.
Further Reading:
What’s your opinion? Should the state focus on surveillance—or invest in intelligent alternatives? Join the discussion!