Rashmika Mandanna's Deepfake Video Goes Viral, Prompting Warning from IT Minister
Rashmika Mandanna's Deep fakes video has gone viral, prompting a warning from the IT Minister. The IT Minister has warned that Deep fakes videos can be used to spread misinformation and damage people's reputations.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has issued a reminder to social media platforms about their legal responsibilities in combating misinformation. He emphasized the importance of addressing the issue, citing a viral Deep fakes video featuring actor Rashmika Mandanna, which originally showcased Zara Patel, a British-Indian influencer, but was manipulated through Deep fakes technology.
PM @narendramodi ji's Govt is committed to ensuring Safety and Trust of all DigitalNagriks using Internet
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@Rajeev_GoI) November 6, 2023
Under the IT rules notified in April, 2023 - it is a legal obligation for platforms to
➡️ensure no misinformation is posted by any user AND
➡️ensure that when reported by… https://t.co/IlLlKEOjtd
Chandrasekhar pointed out that as per the IT rules implemented in April 2023, these platforms have a legal obligation to prevent the dissemination of misinformation by users. They are required to promptly remove such content when reported, either by users or the government. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in legal actions under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code, enabling aggrieved parties to take platforms to court.
The minister highlighted that Deep fakes represent a particularly hazardous form of misinformation and should be addressed proactively by social media platforms. Deep fakes involve the use of Artificial Intelligence to manipulate photos or videos, often replacing individuals or elements, and have become a significant source of misinformation, frequently associated with the spread of false viral content.
In the specific case mentioned, Zara Patel, who boasts over 400,000 Instagram followers, had shared the video featuring her entering an elevator in a black outfit. Subsequently, the video underwent a Deep fakes transformation, substituting Rashmika Mandanna's face for hers as she entered the lift.
Rashmika Mandanna, in response to the incident, stressed the urgency of addressing identity theft issues to prevent more individuals from falling victim to such malicious practices.
I feel really hurt to share this and have to talk about the deepfake video of me being spread online.
— Rashmika Mandanna (@iamRashmika) November 6, 2023
Something like this is honestly, extremely scary not only for me, but also for each one of us who today is vulnerable to so much harm because of how technology is being misused.…
Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan shared the video, underscoring the need for new legal measures to tackle Deep fakes-related challenges. It is worth noting that Rashmika Mandanna made her Bollywood debut alongside Amitabh Bachchan in the film 'Goodbye'.
yes this is a strong case for legal https://t.co/wHJl7PSYPN
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) November 5, 2023