Face the Fake
Craft the lie. Expose the truth.
Our Mission
Awareness through Creation
Deepfake technology has gone from Hollywood studios to smartphones. Today, anyone with a laptop and a few tools can generate believable fake videos - making disinformation easier to spread than ever before.
Face the Fake is here to demonstrate how easy it is to create convincing fake media, highlight the dangers of synthetic content, and educate the public on spotting fake videos and protecting digital trust with the help from the cybersecurity community and public figures.
This challenge will be officially launched at DefCamp 2025, one of Europe’s largest cybersecurity conferences, organized by the Cyber Security Research Center from Romania (CCSIR) - an NGO committed to cybersecurity education and public awareness.
Raise Awareness
Show how convincing deepfakes can be and educate people to question what they see online.
Build Resilience
Develop critical thinking skills and defense mechanisms against digital deception.
Train Skepticism
Learn to verify sources and protect yourself from misinformation campaigns.
See the Threat in Action
This is not science fiction. Watch how easily reality can be manipulated.
The Challenge Format
Choose your Face
Select from our list of approved 'Faces' who have consented to be part of the campaign.
Create the Illusion
Create a 15 - 45 second deepfake video. The more convincing, the better. Check the prize categories first - each rewards a different kind of impact, so aim smart..
Submit & Expose
Submit your creation along with a technical breakdown of your digital dark arts.
Claim your Glory
The best illusions get showcased to 2000+ experts and will be used in awareness campaigns. Convince them and win.
🏆 Prizes & Recognition
Rewarding creativity, clarity, realism, and technical scalability in the fight against disinformation.
Most Technically Impressive
Awarded to the entry demonstrating the highest level of realism, seamless lip-sync, and technical sophistication.
- €1,000 Cash Prize
- Winner's Certificate
Best Deepfake Detection
For the most accurate and effective use of advanced tools to expose manipulated media.
- €1,000 Cash Prize
- Winner's Certificate
Most Scalable Solution
For the best tool to quickly scale deepfake campaigns - easily swapping faces and messages for new initiatives.
- €1,000 Cash Prize
- Winner's Certificate
All Eligible Submissions Receive:
- Free DefCamp Attendee Ticket
- Featured in the next awareness campaign on YouTube and social media
- Social media spotlight, press inclusion and influencer promotion
Rules, Ethics & Judging Criteria
Why Influencers Should Join
Be More Than a Face. Be the Voice of Truth.
Amplify Your Influence for Good
Use your platform to lead a critical global conversation and champion digital literacy.
Position Yourself as a Digital Ethics Leader
Stand out by shaping how society reacts to synthetic media in Europe's first major ethical deepfake campaign.
Get Featured at DefCamp 2025
Your face will be seen by 2,000+ cybersecurity pros, creators, and innovators, live and online.
Control the Narrative
Every use of your image is 100% consent-based, reviewed, and clearly labeled to educate, not deceive.
Educate and Empower
Your participation helps thousands understand how deepfakes work and learn to detect fake content.
Be Part of Something Bigger
This high-impact initiative is backed by DefCamp and CCSIR. Your role is essential.
Want to Make a Real Statement?
The Brave Faces of 2025
Aria Chen
@AriaAI
AI Ethicist & Researcher
Ben Carter
@CyberCarter
Cybersecurity Analyst
Chloe Davis
@TechExplained
Tech Journalist
David Rodriguez
@FutureProof
Futurist & Speaker
Eva Williams
@DigitalCitizen
Digital Rights Activist
About the Organizers
DefCamp
Europe's Premier Cybersecurity Conference
DefCamp is one of Europe's largest cybersecurity conferences from Central Europe, bringing together over 2,000 cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts annually in Bucharest, Romania. The event serves as a crucial hub for education, innovation, and awareness in the cybersecurity landscape.
2000+
Annual Attendees
15
Years Running
50+
Countries
CCSIR
Cyber Security Research Center
The Cyber Security Research Center from Romania (CCSIR) is a non-governmental organization committed to cybersecurity education, research, and public awareness. CCSIR drives initiatives that strengthen Romania's and Europe's cybersecurity landscape through education and community building.