In a breakthrough development, Delhi Police announced the arrest of the mastermind behind the viral deepfake featuring actor Rashmika Mandanna. This alarming deepfake incident involved superimposing Rashmika’s face onto a video originally featuring British influencer Zara Patel.
The investigation, ongoing since November, unfolded as the first case in a series of deepfake videos targeting celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Kajol, and even cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. While social media users sharing Rashmika Mandanna‘s deepfake were questioned, the creator remained elusive until now.
In a separate incident, after Rashmika Mandanna‘s Deepfake Video, a gaming app manipulated a video of Sachin Tendulkar, sparking a false promotional campaign. Mumbai Cyber Police acted swiftly, registering an FIR after Sachin clarified the falsity of the video on X. Expressing concern, Sachin urged social media vigilance and swift action against misinformation.
IT Act tightened after Rashmika Mandanna , other celebs surface
Union Minister of State for IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, revealed ongoing efforts to tighten rules under the Information Technology Act, emphasizing platform compliance. The minister acknowledged the rising challenge of deepfakes and misinformation, vowing government scrutiny over platform remedies.
Deepfakes, employing AI to manipulate audio and visual elements, have evolved into potent tools for cybercriminals. Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted government notices to social media giants, directing them to combat deepfakes. He underscored that the ‘Safe Harbour’ Clause wouldn’t shield platforms neglecting deepfake removal.
The widespread deepfake trend extends beyond Rashmika Mandanna, encompassing celebrities like Katrina Kaif, Amitabh Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, and Sachin Tendulkar. As the government intensifies its efforts, the battle against deepfakes unfolds on multiple fronts to safeguard individuals, companies, and governmental entities from this evolving cyber threat.