New Delhi: The Centre has responded strongly to the Rashmika Mandanna deepfake controversy, urging victims to file police complaints and seek remedies under the Information Technology rules. Junior IT minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar emphasized that online platforms have a legal obligation to prevent the spread of misinformation and must remove such content within 36 hours upon receiving reports. Failure to comply with these rules can result in legal action, as per Rule 7 of the IT Act. Chandrasekhar also highlighted the government’s commitment to the safety of citizens, particularly children and women who are targeted by such content.
The deepfake video in question featured the face of Rashmika Mandanna, a popular actor, on a video showing Zara Patel, a British-Indian influencer, entering a lift. This video sparked outrage, leading to calls for legal action from various members of the film industry, including Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan. Mandanna expressed her fear and concern over the misuse of technology and the potential harm it poses to individuals.
The Centre has made it clear that the creation and circulation of deepfakes carry severe penalties, including a fine of Rs 1 lakh and up to three years in jail. The government is taking a firm stance on this issue to protect the safety and trust of its citizens.
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