The Indian government has expressed concern over the growing threat of deepfakes to democratic processes and announced plans to introduce new regulations to tackle the issue. IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that social media platforms have recognized the need for effective measures in deepfake detection, prevention, reporting mechanisms, and user education.
Deepfakes are a type of synthetic media that use artificial intelligence to manipulate or create visual and audio content with the intention of appearing authentic. The term “deepfake” originated in 2017 when a Reddit user created a platform to share pornographic videos generated using face-swapping technology. Deepfakes utilize deep learning, a form of AI, to produce images or videos of fabricated events.
The emergence of deepfakes poses a significant threat to public trust and truth. By creating convincing videos and audio recordings of individuals saying or doing things they never did, deepfakes can manipulate public perception, spread misinformation, and damage reputations. In the wrong hands, deepfakes can be used as dangerous weapons to disrupt and destroy businesses and governments.
Examples of viral deepfake videos on social media have raised serious concerns about the misuse of this technology. The recent case of actor Rashmika Mananna being a victim of a deepfake video led to the Indian government taking action to combat this menace. The exponential growth of artificial intelligence has also fueled a rise in deepfake pornography, where hyperrealistic images and videos can be produced easily.
While there is no foolproof method to protect against deepfakes, there are indicators that can help determine the authenticity of online content. In the Rashmika Mandana deepfake video, many viewers overlooked the fact that the individual’s face was different at the beginning. Lip movements or blinking may not align well in deepfakes due to the AI algorithm’s difficulty in tracking these movements accurately. However, the advancing AI technology makes it increasingly challenging to distinguish between what is real and what is fake.
IT Minister Vaishnaw emphasized the shared responsibility for deepfake content and suggested that creators and hosting platforms may face penalties. The government is exploring measures to hold both parties accountable. To curb the spread of deepfakes, comprehensive regulations from government agencies and technology or social media companies, along with alliances to develop cross-platform detection tools, are crucial. Online subscription-based tools like WeVerify or Sentinel can also help in detecting fake content.
