You see a video of someone doing something they definitely never did. The face looks correct. The voice sounds correct. Your first thought is probably “Wait is this real?” Don’t share it before you figure it out. Deepfakes are made to make that pause feel unnecessary.
Save What You Saw
Before you report anything save the information you can. Keep the post open if you can because a deleted or changed post is much harder to report later. Copy the link. Write down the account name. Take a screenshot showing the post and the date if the platform shows one.
Keep the Original Details
• The original URL, if you still have it. This is usually the helpful detail when a platform asks what you’re reporting.
• A screenshot of the post with the account name somewhere in the picture.
• Any message that comes with the video that claims the content is real especially if that claim is part of the problem.
Report It on the Platform
big social media platforms have a report option next to a post or video. Open that menu. Pick the category that matches what you’re seeing. If the deepfake is pretending to be a person impersonation could be the right choice. If its being used to threaten or harass someone, a safety or abuse category could be better.
Don’t worry about finding the label. The details are more important. Explain that the media looks like it was changed and say why you think the person shown didn’t make or do the material.
Add a Clear Explanation
Make your report simple. “This video seems to use an AI-generated face and voice to pretend to be this person” is more helpful than “This is fake!” If you have the source or a statement from the person being imitated add that information where the form allows it.
If the Deepfake Is Serious
Some deepfakes are just annoying. Others can hurt people. If the content includes material shared without permission, threats, fraud, blackmail or targeted harassment don’t stop with a platform report. Report it to the police or cybercrime group in your country too.
In India for example you can report cybercrime using the governments National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Keep your evidence safe. Follow the instructions there.
What Not to Do
• No need to act like a detective. If you’re not sure report what you saw of saying you have proved who made it.
• Don’t argue with the account that posted it. Honestly that usually causes trouble, than proof.
Before You Close the Tab
Make sure you saved the link and the screenshots. Then send the report. Keep any confirmation number or email you get.