The rampant spread of deepfake videos, exemplified by the recent case involving actor Rashmika Mandanna, has raised serious concerns about the misuse of technology. Delhi Police’s recent arrest of the main accused behind the viral deepfake video highlights the legal repercussions such incidents can have. This article delves into the rise of deepfake technology, its impact on celebrities, and the measures being taken, including potential amendments to the Information Technology Act.
Deepfake Video Menace: A Growing Concern:
The arrest of the main accused in the deepfake video case involving Rashmika Mandanna sheds light on the growing concern surrounding deepfake technology. This incident, where the actor’s face was superimposed onto a video of a British influencer, triggered a significant debate about the ethical use of technology and the potential harm it can inflict on an individual’s reputation.
Legal Actions Taken:
In response to the deepfake video controversy, Delhi Police registered a case under sections 465 and 469 of the Indian Penal Code, dealing with forgery and defamation. Additionally, sections 66C (identity theft) and 66E (privacy violation) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 were invoked. The legal actions underscore the seriousness with which authorities are treating the misuse of deepfake technology.
Celebrities as Victims of Deepfake Menace:
Rashmika Mandanna is not the sole victim of the deepfake menace. Influential celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Kajol, and legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar have also fallen prey to the unethical use of deepfake videos. The disturbing trend has led to a wave of AI-generated fake videos and audio circulating on the internet, causing significant distress to those targeted.
Businesses Exploiting Deepfake Technology:
Beyond individual targeting, businesses have also been found misusing deepfake technology to create deceptive videos of celebrities endorsing their brands. Sachin Tendulkar recently shared a deepfake video in which he appeared to be promoting a gaming application and falsely claimed that his daughter, Sara Tendulkar, was earning substantial money through the mobile application. Such deceptive practices have raised alarms about the need for stringent regulations.
Response from Celebrities and Calls for Action:
In response to the deepfake videos circulating on social media platforms, celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar have taken to public platforms to denounce the fake content. Tendulkar urged the public to report such instances and called for swift action from social media platforms. The widespread misuse of technology has prompted celebrities to raise their voices against the dissemination of false information and misinformation.
Government’s Stand and Proposed Amendments:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his concerns about the increasing incidents of deepfake videos and their potential harm. Union Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar acknowledged the need for stricter regulations and amendments to the Information Technology Act. The government is contemplating changes to address the challenges posed by the misuse of technology, ensuring that platforms comply with tighter rules to prevent the spread of deepfake content.
The arrest in the Rashmika Mandanna deepfake case and the subsequent legal actions underscore the gravity of the deepfake menace. Celebrities becoming unwitting victims, coupled with businesses exploiting the technology for deceptive practices, necessitate comprehensive measures to curb the misuse of deepfake videos. The government’s acknowledgment of the issue and its contemplation of amendments to the Information Technology Act signal a commitment to addressing this growing threat. As technology advances, there is an urgent need for a robust legal framework and stringent regulations to safeguard individuals and society from the malicious use of deepfake technology.
