Indian actress Rashmika Mandanna was recently embroiled in controversy when a deepfake video of hers went viral on social media. In response, the Government of India through Union Minister Rajiv Chandrashekhar announced its commitment to ensure the security of digital citizens. Chandrashekhar stressed the seriousness of deepfake videos and highlighted the need for social media platforms to take action against them under the existing IT rules. Union Minister Rajiv Chandrashekhar took to social media to reiterate the government’s dedication to the safety of internet users. He said, “The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to ensuring the security of all digital citizens. “Deepfake videos pose a huge threat, and it is the platform’s legal responsibility to take action against them under IT rules.”
Chandrashekhar said that this responsibility includes two major aspects. First, the platform must ensure that users do not post false information. Second, they must immediately remove such content within 36 hours if reported by the user or the government. Failure to comply with these requirements may lead to legal action against the platform under Rule 7 and IPC provisions, offering recourse to affected individuals. He further emphasized that deepfakes represent a new, more dangerous and harmful form of misinformation that requires a proactive response from social media platforms.
PM @narendramodi ji’s Govt is committed to ensuring Safety and Trust of all DigitalNagriks using Internet
Under the IT rules notified in April, 2023 – it is a legal obligation for platforms to
➡️ensure no misinformation is posted by any user AND
➡️ensure that when reported by… https://t.co/IlLlKEOjtd
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar ?? (@Rajeev_GoI) November 6, 2023
Rashmika Mandanna’s reaction
Rashmika Mandanna expressed her anguish over the deepfake video circulating online. He said, “I am deeply saddened that I have to discuss my deepfake video, which is being spread online not only for my sake but also for the collective fear it has created in all of us. This fear is justified as the technology is being misused in a malicious manner.” , Mandanna expressed her gratitude towards her family, friends and well-wishers who support her in such challenges. However, she noted that if such a situation had arisen during her school or college days, she would not have been able to imagine dealing with it.
I feel really hurt to share this and have to talk about the deepfake video of me being spread online.
Something like this is honestly, extremely scary not only for me, but also for each one of us who today is vulnerable to so much harm because of how technology is being misused.…
— Rashmika Mandanna (@iamRashmika) November 6, 2023
How to understand deepfake videos?
Deepfake videos involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to edit a video or photo of someone else to make it appear as if they are the subject. A video purportedly of Rashmika Mandanna has gone viral, although in reality, it is a deepfake using her face. These videos are causing concern due to their potential to spread misinformation and defame individuals.