Column | Holding the line on deepfakes

Holding the line on deepfakes

By Vernon L. Jackson Sr., chief prosecutor

As chief prosecutor of the Navajo Nation, I want to begin with this: most deepfake videos, nearly 90 percent, are not criminal. They may be misleading or in poor taste, but they do not cross the threshold of the law.

It is the smaller fraction, about 10 percent, that clearly crosses the line. Those are the deepfakes that cause real harm, create victims, and strike at the integrity of our government and our people. And we must be mindful: what may seem like casual misuse of this technology can quickly become a new tool in crimes such as domestic violence, where humiliation and control are already used as weapons.

Our office stated in the press release that we will investigate and, if necessary, prosecute. That is not a casual phrase. It means the Navajo Nation will use its laws and its sovereignty to confront this threat. We will not stand by while outside forces, or even individuals within, use digital deception to harm our people.

This is a new frontier. It challenges us to apply Navajo law and Navajo thinking in a modern context. We are prepared to do so.

And we must not forget at the heart of this effort is protection. Protection not only of government institutions and leaders, but of every Navajo citizen who may be harmed by crime. The Navajo Nation Victim Rights Act of 2023 reminds us that every victim deserves dignity, justice, and the assurance that their government will stand with them.

Deepfake attacks and other modern crimes do more than target public officials, they create real victims by spreading fear, shame, and distrust in our communities. Our core responsibility is to those victims. That is the foundation of this work.

This move to hold individuals responsible for harmful deepfake videos has nothing to do with the dispute between the Legislative and Executive branches. It is not about politics. It is about the safety of our people, the dignity of our victims, and the integrity of our Nation’s laws.

To our Navajo Nation Council delegates, I recognize the important role you carry as leaders chosen by the people. This challenge is not one office’s burden alone. It is something we face together, with each branch bringing its strength to protect our communities. When we show unity, victims see hope. When we stand side by side, our Nation’s laws are stronger, and our people are safer.

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