Sara Tendulkar, the daughter of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, has raised concerns about the rise of ‘deepfakes’ and impersonation on social media. Despite gaining attention for her presence at some matches in the Cricket World Cup 2023, Sara has also become a subject of discussion on social media for the wrong reasons. She recently shared a story on her Instagram account, revealing that there are individuals impersonating her on X (formerly Twitter) and she has come across ‘deepfake’ photos of herself circulating on social media.
In a detailed post, Sara expressed her deep concern about the activities of these impersonating accounts on social media. Deepfakes have become a growing problem not only for the general public but also for celebrities, causing worries and anxieties. Previously, a ‘deepfake video’ featuring Bollywood actress Rashmika Mandana had sparked a major social media storm.
Sara wrote in a statement shared on social media, “Social media is a wonderful space for all of us to share our joys, sorrows, and daily activities. However, it is disconcerting to see the misuse of technology as it takes away from the truth and authenticity of the internet. I have come across some deepfake photos of me which are far from reality.”
She further added, “A few accounts on X (formerly Twitter) have obviously been created with an intent to impersonate me and mislead people. I do not have an account on X, and I hope X looks into such accounts and suspends them.”
Sara’s Instagram story quickly gained attention and spread widely on social media. Initially, she had deleted the story, but later decided to repost it with some modifications. She concluded her statement by emphasizing the importance of communication based on trust and reality, stating, “Entertainment should never come at the expense of the truth. Let’s encourage communication that’s based in trust and reality.”
The issue of ‘deepfakes’ and impersonation on social media is a growing concern, not only for celebrities like Sara Tendulkar but also for the general public. As technology continues to advance, it becomes crucial for platforms like X to address and take action against such accounts to maintain the authenticity and trustworthiness of the internet.
