In a significant development, Delhi Police announced the arrest of the primary accused responsible for creating and circulating the deepfake video featuring actor Rashmika Mandanna. The video, which gained widespread attention on social media platforms, sparked debates on the potential misuse of technology. The deepfake video seamlessly incorporated Rashmika Mandanna’s face onto a video of British influencer Zara Patel.
The police initiated legal action by registering a case under sections 465 and 469 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, addressing forgery and the malicious tarnishing of an individual’s reputation. Additionally, the police invoked sections 66C (identity theft) and 66E (privacy violation) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Rashmika Mandanna is not the sole celebrity to face the challenges posed by deepfake videos, as notable figures like actor Alia Bhatt, Kajol, and legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar have also experienced similar incidents. The prevalence of artificial intelligence-generated fake videos and audios has become a growing concern on the internet.
Beyond individual targeting, businesses have been observed misusing technology to create deepfake videos featuring celebrities endorsing their brands. Sachin Tendulkar recently shared his concern about a deepfake video where he appeared to promote a gaming application, including false claims about his daughter Sara Tendulkar’s earnings from playing games on the mobile application.
Expressing his dismay, Sachin Tendulkar urged social media users to report such instances and emphasized the need for swift action from social media platforms. He highlighted the importance of alertness and responsiveness to complaints to curb the spread of misinformation and fake news.
The misuse of technology to create deepfake videos has prompted the government to take serious note, leading to discussions around potential amendments in the Information Technology Act to address these emerging challenges.