PM Modi Urges Responsible AI Use as Deepfake Concerns Escalate: Calls for Action Against Misuse

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sounded an alarm regarding the escalating threat posed by deepfake technology, emphasizing the urgent need for responsible use of artificial intelligence. Speaking at the BJP’s Diwali Milan programme, PM Modi highlighted the dangers associated with the misuse of AI, particularly in the creation of manipulated videos known as deepfakes. In response to recent instances involving morphed faces of prominent personalities like Rashmika Mandanna, Katrina Kaif, and Kajol surfacing on social media, the Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the potential repercussions, especially for public figures whose images are manipulated without consent.

The circulation of deepfake videos has sparked widespread outrage and raised critical questions about the ethical implications and risks posed by this technology. Acknowledging the gravity of the issue, PM Modi called upon both the ChatGPT team and the media to actively identify and caution the public when such misleading content emerges online. This call to action follows notable figures within the film industry, including veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, raising their voices against these doctored videos and advocating for legal intervention.

In response to the mounting concerns, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued an advisory to social media platforms, emphasizing existing legal provisions that cover deepfakes and the severe penalties associated with their creation and dissemination. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar highlighted the legal obligation of online platforms to swiftly remove reported deepfake content within 36 hours, in adherence to the IT Rules 2021. The government, committed to ensuring digital safety and trust for Indian citizens, has underscored the stringent penalties of up to ₹1 lakh in fines and three years of imprisonment for the creation and circulation of deepfakes.

As concerns regarding deepfake technology continue to grow, PM Modi’s call for responsible AI use and swift actions against its misuse underscores the critical need for collaboration between technology platforms, authorities, and the public to curb the detrimental effects of manipulated content in the digital sphere.

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