Delhi Police Arrest Deepfake Creator of Actor Rashmika Mandanna, Sparking Concerns about Misuse of Technology
In a recent development, the creator of a deepfake video featuring popular actor Rashmika Mandanna has been apprehended by the Delhi police. This deepfake video had gone viral on social media platforms and raised concerns about the potential misuse of technology. Many users were alarmed at how seamlessly the video morphed from featuring influencer Zara Patel to Mandanna’s face, thanks to the implementation of deepfake technology.
Rashmika Mandanna herself expressed her dismay over the incident and highlighted the vulnerability individuals face in the age of technology misuse. The incident also prompted the Center to issue an advisory specifically addressing the issue of deepfakes on social media platforms. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar held meetings with various social media platforms to review their progress in combating misinformation and deepfakes.
Deepfakes, which are created using artificial intelligence, have the potential to be used as a weapon by cybercriminals to harm reputations. Recognizing the seriousness of the matter, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw sent notices to social media companies, urging them to take steps in identifying and removing deepfake content. It is important to note that the “Safe Harbour” Clause does not apply if platforms do not effectively address the issue of deepfakes.
This incident involving Rashmika Mandanna is not an isolated case. Deepfake videos of other celebrities, such as Katrina Kaif, Amitabh Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, and Sachin Tendulkar, have also gone viral in the past. Authorities have been investigating these cases as well.
The Delhi Police has been actively interrogating social media users who shared the deepfake video of Rashmika Mandanna. Additionally, a gaming app recently used a deepfake video of Sachin Tendulkar for a false promotional campaign, leading to a First Information Report (FIR) being registered against the app. In response, Sachin Tendulkar has called on his followers to report any deepfake videos, ads, or apps they come across, emphasizing the need for platforms to take swift action.
To tackle the growing issue of deepfakes and misinformation, the government is working on introducing tighter rules under the Information Technology Act. These measures aim to address the challenges posed by deepfakes and ensure the safety and security of individuals in the digital space.