During the BJP’s Diwali Milan event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised severe concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence, specifically in the creation of deepfake videos. In response, he announced measures to address this growing threat, emphasising the need for responsible AI practices.
Sharing a personal experience of encountering a manipulated video of himself singing, PM Modi urged media outlets to play a role in educating the public about the potential dangers of deepfake technology. He called for a collective effort from technology developers and journalists to ensure responsible AI use. The caution follows recent controversies involving deepfake videos featuring celebrities, prompting calls for regulatory measures.
How Dangerous AI Deepfake Can Be
The dangerous implications of AI deepfake technology extend beyond the realm of misinformation, reaching into the dark corners of psychological harm. Disturbingly, there have been instances where individuals fell victim to the malicious use of deepfake audio or videos, leading to severe emotional distress and, tragically, even suicide. The ability of this technology to fabricate convincing yet false scenarios, often involving personal or sensitive content, has left unsuspecting individuals vulnerable to profound mental anguish.
Government Implements Strict Penalties for Deepfakes
To combat the problem, the government has imposed strict penalties, including a Rs 1 lakh fine and a three-year jail term, as a deterrent against the creation and circulation of deepfakes. With these measures, alongside the Prime Minister’s proactive approach, the government aims to minimise the harmful impact of deepfake technology on society, particularly safeguarding women and children who often fall victim to deceptive content.
The government’s concern arises in the wake of controversies surrounding deepfake videos featuring actresses like Rashmika Mandanna, Katrina Kaif, and Kajol.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Union Minister for Electronics and Technology, has categorised deepfakes as a “more perilous and harmful manifestation of misinformation.”
