Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Concerns on Deepfake Videos
In New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed apprehensions regarding the proliferation of artificial intelligence in generating deceptive content, particularly in light of the surge in “deepfake” videos targeting well-known personalities.
Describing this modern AI application as “problematic,” PM Modi called upon the media to proactively educate the public about the potential risks associated with deepfakes.
Deepfakes, utilizing deep learning technology, fabricate altered visuals and videos of real individuals, creating an illusion of them engaging in actions or making statements they never actually did.
Recent instances of manipulated videos featuring popular actors like Rashmika Mandanna, Katrina Kaif, and Kajol have circulated on social media platforms, sparking significant concerns and public outrage.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of raising awareness about the negative implications of employing artificial intelligence for disseminating misleading information, such as the deceptive nature of deepfake content.
Furthermore, PM Modi underscored the crucial role of vigilance and awareness in combatting the challenges posed by advancing technologies.
He highlighted the potential dangers posed by the widespread belief in deepfakes, emphasizing the urgent need for vigilance and verification mechanisms in the face of this emerging threat.
In a related development, the Delhi Police has reached out to Meta for the URL linked to the investigation into the algorithmically altered video involving Rashmika Mandanna.
The misuse of deepfakes, whether for malicious intent or to perpetuate falsehoods, can have severe repercussions, including harassment, intimidation, and misinformation, leading to significant societal discord.
The Center has mandated stringent penalties, including a fine of Rs 1 lakh and imprisonment for up to three years, for the creation and dissemination of deepfake content.
The proliferation of deepfakes has also raised concerns about the potential for reputational damage and the challenges of mitigating the adverse impact, even after the falsified nature of such content is exposed.
The emergence of a fabricated video featuring Kajol has further intensified the debate surrounding deepfake technology, following similar controversies involving Rashmika Mandanna and Katrina Kaif.
