Cyber Crime
PM Modi Urges Media Vigilance on Deepfakes: Calls for AI Awareness Amidst Recent Manipulated Video Controversy
The Prime Minister emphasized his perspective by also referencing a deepfake video depicting him engaging in Garba, a traditional dance of Gujarat celebrated widely throughout the nation. “I came across a video where I was playing Garba. I haven’t performed Garba since my school days,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged journalists to educate people on ‘Artificial Intelligence’ (AI) and ‘Deep Fake’. “I saw a video recently where I was singing. People who like me forwarded it,” he said during the ‘Diwali Milan’ program at BJP’s central office in New Delhi. He also emphasized the importance of internet-based platforms adhering to the IT rules notified in April 2023.
The Prime Minister emphasized his perspective by also referencing a deepfake video depicting him engaging in Garba, a traditional dance of Gujarat celebrated widely throughout the nation. “I came across a video where I was playing Garba. I haven’t performed Garba since my school days,” he said.
PM Modi also reaffirmed his commitment to transforming India into a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India), asserting it as a tangible reality, not just rhetoric.
Addressing the success of the ‘vocal for local’ initiative, the Prime Minister noted widespread public support. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Modi highlighted India’s achievements, fostering citizens’ confidence in the nation’s sustained progress. He also expressed joy at the evolution of Chhath Puja into a ‘rashtriya parva’ (national festival).
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Govt’s Reaction on Deepfake Video
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology of India, had earlier called out social media platforms for their inability to handle content containing deep fakes and misinformation after the latest deep fake video of Rashmika Mandanna went viral.
The Centre’s reaction comes after a deepfake video of Mandanna was found circulating on social media platforms earning criticism from several politicians and celebrities. Netizens claimed the video has been morphed and the actual video is of an Indian-origin person living in the UK.
In its advisory, the IT Ministry has directed social media companies to expeditiously take action against the content that is in violation of the rules and regulations well within the timeframes stipulated under the IT Rules 2021, and users are caused not to host such information, content, deepfakes.
“Remove any such content when reported within 36 hours of such reporting and ensure expeditious action, well within the timeframes stipulated under the IT Rules 2021, and disable access to the content or information,” the statement said.
