A viral video showing what appears to be actress Rashmika Mandanna getting into an elevator has been revealed to be a deepfake, a digitally altered video manipulated to make it appear as if the actress was in the footage. The video has been seen millions of times on various social media platforms, including X, the former Twitter. The deepfake video has stirred both controversy and concern in Indian movie platforms, as it exposes the dangers of AI-generated fake videos and the need for stronger laws and policies to curb them.
The deepfake video was created by morphing Mandanna's face onto the body of Zara Patel, a social media influencer who had posted the original video on Instagram on October 8. There is no evidence that Patel was involved in creating the fake version or why someone did it, but celebrities in various industries have seen fake videos of themselves in recent years. The deepfake technology uses machine learning techniques to replace the face of one person with another, creating realistic-looking videos that can be used for various purposes, such as entertainment, propaganda, or harassment.
This article will not display the video here to prevent its further dissemination out of respect for the artist.
The deepfake video of Mandanna has raised alarm among many people, including Amitabh Bachchan, who tweeted that the video was "scary" and called for legal action against the perpetrators. Mandanna herself broke her silence on the issue and posted below-
Rashmika Mandanna’s Deepfake Video Sparks Outrage and Calls for Regulation.
Deepfakes have been used for a few years now to harass and intimidate women, as well as drive traffic to websites containing malicious content. According to a report by Deeptrace, a company that tracks deepfakes, 96% of deepfake videos online are non-consensual pornography, mostly targeting women. Deepfakes have also been used to spread misinformation and influence public opinion, such as the fake video of former US President Obama insulting his successor Donald Trump.
While some provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology (IT) Act can be used to curb deepfakes, they are not enough to address the specific challenges posed by this technology. Experts have called for a comprehensive AI policy that can regulate the creation and dissemination of deepfakes, as well as protect the rights and privacy of the victims. They have also suggested that platforms like X should have clear policies and mechanisms to detect and remove deepfake videos, as well as educate users about the risks of such content.
In the age of advanced technology, let us strive for a future where authenticity prevails and the digital realm is marked by trust and integrity. Together, we can navigate the complexities of deepfake technology and advocate for responsible regulations. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and let truth always triumph over manipulation.
The KTruth