In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the power of technology is harnessed for various purposes, both benign and malevolent. One alarming facet of this technological revolution is the rise of deepfake videos. Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology of India, has raised a red flag, shedding light on the growing challenge of combating deepfakes and misinformation on social media platforms. In the wake of a recent viral deepfake video featuring actress Rashmika Mandanna, Minister Chandrasekhar’s call to action has emphasized the imperative need for internet-based platforms to adhere to the IT rules, which were officially notified in April 2023.
The Deepfake Dilemma
Deepfakes, a portmanteau of “deep learning” and “fake,” represent the latest and arguably most perilous form of misinformation in the digital realm. These manipulated videos harness the power of artificial intelligence and sophisticated computer software to seamlessly superimpose one person’s likeness onto another’s, often with startling realism. The implications of deepfakes are profound, as they can incite controversies, foster the spread of misinformation, and inflict significant damage on an individual’s reputation.
Minister Chandrasekhar’s Clarion Call
Minister Chandrasekhar has underscored the need for social media platforms to shoulder the responsibility of curbing the proliferation of deepfakes and misinformation. The IT rules introduced in April 2023 mandate that platforms must not allow any user to post misinformation, and they must swiftly remove such content within 36 hours if reported by any user or government authority. Failure to comply with these directives can lead to legal action against the platform under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code.
Deepfakes on the Rise
The genesis of Minister Chandrasekhar’s concerns lies in the alarming surge of deepfake photos and videos on social media platforms. The issue was further thrust into the spotlight by the dissemination of a fake viral video featuring actress Rashmika Mandanna. In this particular video, the actress’s visage was seamlessly transposed onto that of Zara Patel, a British-Indian woman with a significant following on Instagram. This disturbing trend serves as a stark reminder of the growing power of deepfakes and the pressing need for platforms to address this issue head-on.
A Comparative Glimpse
To illustrate the gravity of the situation, Minister Chandrasekhar pointed to a viral post by X (formerly Twitter) user Abishek, a journalist with AltNews. Abishek’s post featured a compelling comparison between Zara Patel’s original video on Instagram and the digitally altered fake video that showcased actress Rashmika Mandanna’s face. The side-by-side view of these videos is a stark reminder of the uncanny realism and the potential harm caused by deepfakes.
Deepfake’s Political Implications
Even political figures are not immune to the deepfake epidemic. Instances of videos featuring India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, edited to appear alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have surfaced as humorous memes. While these videos may initially be intended for entertainment, they pose a significant long-term challenge for social media platforms.
The new IT rules introduced in 2023 explicitly prohibit the legal posting of such content on any platform in India. Therefore, these seemingly harmless videos could lead to severe consequences for both users and the platforms that host them.
