The rise of deepfake videos targeting Indian celebrities has sparked fresh concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) to spread misinformation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently referenced a deepfake video of himself dancing garba that went viral online.
PM Modi Warns About Dangers of Deepfakes
At an event in Delhi last week, Prime Minister Modi revealed that he came across a deepfake video that showed him dancing garba. “I watched my deep fake video in which I’m doing garba,” PM Modi said. “But the reality is that I have not done garba after my school life. Someone made my deepfake video.”
#Deepfake with the use of AI became a challenge recently.
PM Modi says ‘Deepfake’ is a big challenge, calls for need to educate people about AI. pic.twitter.com/CbxKnGLVux— Abhiraj Thakur (ADM) (@aandy_sain) November 17, 2023
Modi warned that deepfakes could cause major crises by spreading disinformation. He urged citizens and the media to be cautious about the proliferation of deepfakes that could stoke social tensions.
This comes just days after a deepfake video of popular actress Rashmika Mandanna went viral online. The video showed Mandanna’s face morphed onto another woman’s body. Several actors condemned the video and called for legal action.
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Spate of Deepfakes Targeting Actresses
Before Mandanna, actress Kajol was also recently targeted by a deepfake video. A clip showing a woman who resembled Kajol changing her dress was circulated online. The video was originally made by a British social media influencer as part of a trend.
Earlier, a fake image of Katrina Kaif in a bikini from the sets of the film ‘Tiger 3’ had gone viral. The original image showed Kaif dressed modestly during an action sequence.
Police questioned a 19-year-old from Bihar for allegedly uploading and spreading the deepfake of Mandanna online. However, the problem seems to be growing rapidly.
What are Deepfakes and How are they Created?
Deepfakes are fabricated videos, images or audio created using artificial intelligence. The AI software can digitally superimpose existing images, videos and voices onto source content.
The manipulated content takes on features of real individuals and appears authentic. However, deepfakes are completely artificial creations.
The technology uses powerful deep learning algorithms to analyze and replicate patterns based on existing imagery and recordings. Large datasets feeding the algorithms allow deepfakes to mimic expressions, mannerisms, voices and other characteristics.
Dangers Posed by Viral Deepfakes
As deepfake videos become more sophisticated, they pose serious challenges for individuals targeted and the society at large.
- Reputational damage: Deepfakes impersonating people and putting words in their mouth can harm reputations and careers.
- Political turmoil: Politicians and other influential figures could be framed using deepfakes, undermining democracies.
- Social tensions: Viral deepfakes spreading misinformation could inflame tensions between groups.
- Psychological harm: Being subjected to non-consensual intimate deepfakes can negatively impact mental health.
- Fraud: Deepfake audio or video can also enable financial fraud and scams.
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Tackling the Deepfake Menace
While deepfake technology itself is not inherently malicious, its potential for abuse is massive. A multi-pronged strategy is required to control this emerging threat.
- Technology: AI and media forensics need to be developed to detect deepfake content. Facebook and Microsoft already have detection tools.
- Digital literacy: Citizens, especially youth, should be educated to spot signs of inauthentic content online. Verification skills are key.
- Legislation: India lacks laws specifically targeting deepfakes. Regulations defining and prohibiting abusive deepfakes are vital.
- Code of ethics: Tech companies must adopt ethical guidelines for use of AI and block malicious deepfake content.
- Collaboration: Government, civil society, tech industry and academia should collaborate to counter the spread of viral deepfakes.
The disturbing trend of deepfakes targeting Indian female celebrities calls for immediate measures to prevent abuse. As PM Modi noted, citizens, media and government authorities need to remain vigilant against the potential harms from this AI-powered phenomenon.
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