PM Modi raises concerns over deepfake videos by AI, calls them ‘problematic’

PM Modi urges the media to educate people about deepfake videos

In a virtual address on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concerns about the problematic use of artificial intelligence in generating ‘deepfake’ content. He also urged the media to play a role in educating the public about this issue.

“I recently saw a video in which I was seen singing a Garba song. There are many other such videos online,” PM Modi further emphasized that the looming threat of deepfakes has evolved into a significant crisis, posing potential challenges for all of us.

The Prime Minister remarked during his address at the inaugural session of the Voice of the Global South Summit, “Deepfake, a big concern, asked the ChatGPT team to give deepfake warning in content.” He also said, “India believes that new technology should not widen the gap between the Global North and the Global South. During the times of Artificial Intelligence, it is important that technology should be used responsibly. To further promote this, next month, India will organize the Artificial Global Partnership Summit. This is the time when the countries of the Global South should unite for the greater global good.”

Advisory issued to social media firms by the Centre

Previously, the central government issued an advisory to social media giants such as X, Instagram, and Facebook, mandating the prompt removal of morphed images within a 24-hour time frame.

Deepfakes are employed with the deliberate intention of spreading disinformation, often harboring malicious motives. They can be manipulated for purposes of harassment, intimidation, degradation, and undermining individuals. Recently, videos featuring morphed faces of actors Rashmika Mandanna, Katrina Kaif, and Kajol surfaced on the internet, triggering significant public outrage.

The government has declared that the generation and dissemination of deepfakes are subject to severe penalties, including a fine of Rs 1 lakh and imprisonment for three years.

The misrepresentation of individuals in deepfakes has resulted in the creation of blackmail material, falsely incriminating people. Due to the challenging verification of these videos and audio recordings, the negative impact on one’s reputation can be arduous to overcome, even when confirmed as a deepfake.