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RESEARCH PAPER / 2026-04-29

Diffusion Reconstruction towards Generalizable Audio Deepfake Detection

Bo Cheng, Songjun Cao, Xiaoming Zhang ...Full author list in the original paper.

Southern University of Science and Technology +1 · arXiv

Affiliations: Southern University of Science and Technology, Tencent Youtu Lab

Abstract

Achieving robust generalization against unseen attacks remains a challenge in Audio Deepfake Detection (ADD), driven by the rapid evolution of generative models. To address this, we propose a framework centered on hard sample classification. The core idea is that a model capable of distinguishing challenging hard samples is inherently equipped to handle simpler cases effectively. We investigate multiple reconstruction paradigms, identifying the diffusion-based method as optimal for generating hard samples. Furthermore, we leverage multi-layer feature aggregation and introduce a Regularization-Assisted Contrastive Learning (RACL) objective to enhance generalizability. Experiments demonstrate the superior generalization of our approach, with our best model achieving a significant reduction in the average Equal Error Rate (EER) compared to the baseline.

The following analysis is generated by AI and may contain errors. It is separate from the authors’ abstract and is not peer review.

Research summary

The main contribution of this paper is the development of a robust framework for Audio Deepfake Detection that leverages hard sample classification and diffusion-based reconstruction to enhance generalization against unseen attacks. This work represents a meaningful advancement in the field of audio deepfake detection, addressing critical challenges posed by evolving generative models.

Methodology

The paper proposes a novel framework for Audio Deepfake Detection (ADD) that emphasizes hard sample classification and utilizes diffusion-based reconstruction methods. The integration of multi-layer feature aggregation and the introduction of Regularization-Assisted Contrastive Learning (RACL) are significant contributions that enhance the model's generalization capabilities. The methodology is well-structured, with clear explanations of the reconstruction paradigms and loss functions employed. However, while the approach is innovative, it builds on existing concepts in contrastive learning and reconstruction, which slightly limits its novelty.

Results & evaluation

The experiments are comprehensive, evaluating the proposed methods across multiple datasets, including ASVspoof and CodecFake. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in the average Equal Error Rate (EER) compared to baseline models, showcasing the effectiveness of the proposed framework. The ablation studies provide insights into the contributions of different components of the methodology, reinforcing the validity of the findings. However, the paper could benefit from a more detailed analysis of potential edge cases or scenarios where the model may underperform.

Reproducibility

The implementation details are sufficiently detailed, including data preprocessing, model architecture, and training parameters, which enhances reproducibility. However, the absence of a publicly available code repository or demo limits the ability for other researchers to replicate the results directly.

Limitations

One limitation is the reliance on specific reconstruction methods, which may not generalize well across all types of audio deepfakes. Additionally, the performance on certain datasets showed minor degradation, suggesting that the model may prioritize generalization over specific artifacts. The paper could also discuss potential biases in the datasets used for training and evaluation.

Broader impact

The implications of this research are significant, particularly in the context of security and misinformation, as robust audio deepfake detection systems are crucial for maintaining trust in audio communications. The proposed framework could be applied in various domains, including cybersecurity, media verification, and social media platforms, where audio authenticity is paramount. The main contribution of this paper is the development of a robust framework for Audio Deepfake Detection that leverages hard sample classification and diffusion-based reconstruction to enhance generalization against unseen attacks. This work represents a meaningful advancement in the field of audio deepfake detection, addressing critical challenges posed by evolving generative models.

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