Alarming Surge in Deepfake Videos Targeting Celebrities Raises Legal Concerns
A disturbing trend has emerged in the digital sphere as an escalating number of deepfake videos featuring renowned personalities have surfaced, prompting widespread consternation and legal actions. The latest victim in this concerning series is actor Alia Bhatt, whose likeness has been manipulated in a video displaying explicit and offensive behavior. This follows the circulation of similar manipulated content involving other celebrities such as Rashmika Mandanna, Kajol, Katrina Kaif, and Sara Tendulkar, igniting profound concerns about the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential to propagate misleading information.
Authorities in India are responding robustly to address this pressing issue. The Center has emphasized stringent penalties, outlining a fine of ₹1 lakh and imprisonment for up to three years for the creation and dissemination of deepfake content. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has announced forthcoming measures, including the appointment of an officer dedicated to addressing such content. Highlighting the existing legal framework, Chandrasekhar affirmed that laws and regulations encompass clear provisions to tackle deepfake challenges.
Moreover, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) plans to establish a platform for users to report violations of IT rules related to deepfake content. This initiative aims to facilitate users in notifying authorities about breaches and support them in filing First Information Reports (FIRs). Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed concerns about the misuse of AI for generating deceptive deepfake videos, urging responsible utilization of technology during these times of rapid advancements.
The proliferation of deepfake videos targeting public figures has not only raised alarms but has prompted swift governmental responses and calls for responsible technological usage to mitigate the adverse impacts of such manipulative content.
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