IT Minister Warns Social Media Platforms After Rashmika Mandanna’s Deepfake Goes Viral

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has issued a warning to social media platforms about their legal responsibilities in combating misinformation. This comes after a deepfake video featuring actor Rashmika Mandanna went viral. The video initially showcased Zara Patel, a British-Indian influencer, but her face was digitally altered to resemble the actor in the deepfake.

Chandrasekhar took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to highlight the legal obligations of social media platforms under the IT rules. These rules, which were implemented in April 2023, require platforms to ensure that no misinformation is posted by any user and to promptly remove it when reported by either users or the government. Failure to comply with these obligations can result in legal action being taken against the platforms under the Indian Penal Code.

The minister emphasized the significance of addressing deepfakes, stating that they are a highly dangerous and damaging form of misinformation. Deepfakes involve the use of artificial intelligence to alter photos or videos, often replacing individuals or elements within them. They have become a prominent source of misinformation, frequently associated with the spread of fake viral content.

In the case of the viral video featuring Rashmika Mandanna, Zara Patel, who boasts over 400,000 followers on Instagram, shared a video in which she is seen entering a lift wearing a black outfit. However, her face is then digitally manipulated to resemble Mandanna as she enters the lift.

Rashmika Mandanna has not yet responded to the deepfake video.

Prominent figures, including actor Amitabh Bachchan, have highlighted the need for legal action to be taken against deepfakes. The situation underscores the importance of social media platforms fulfilling their legal obligations in order to safeguard the safety and trust of internet users.