Rashmi Mandana deepfake video: Union Minister urges all platforms to address viral deepfake video featuring actor
Rashmi Mandana deepfake video: In response to a viral deepfake video featuring popular actress Rashmika Mandanna, Union Minister of State for Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, asserted the importance of addressing such deceptive content, emphasising the role of online platforms in managing it. Chandrasekhar conveyed this message during an interview on X, underlining the Indian government's commitment to ensuring the safety and trust of all internet users, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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
Referring to the IT rules that were issued in April 2023, the Union Minister outlined the guidelines that social media platforms are legally obligated to follow. He stressed that it is crucial for these platforms to prevent the dissemination of misinformation by their users. Additionally, he mentioned that any reported misinformation must be removed within 36 hours, upon receiving a complaint from a user or the government.
Furthermore, Chandrasekhar cautioned that failure to adhere to these rules would result in the application of rule 7, which allows aggrieved individuals to take the platforms to court under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The deepfake video in question, which featured actress Rashmika Mandanna, stirred controversy on the internet, amassing over 14 million views since its release. A journalist named Abhishek Kumar posted the video on X, highlighting the pressing need for a legal and regulatory framework to address deepfake incidents in India. The original video had been shared on Instagram on October 9, featuring Zara Patel, a British-Indian influencer with over 400,000 followers. The deepfake content seamlessly transitioned from Patel to Rashmika as Patel entered an elevator, cleverly disguising the manipulation.
The origins of this deepfake video remain a mystery, and it has piqued the interest of Rashmika Mandanna's 'Goodbye' co-star, Amitabh Bachchan. Mr Bachchan expressed the need for more information on the matter and underscored the urgent necessity for legal action against deepfake content.
Rashmika Mandanna, known for her role as Amitabh Bachchan's daughter in 'Goodbye,' is set to appear in the upcoming movie 'Animal' alongside Ranbir Kapoor, generating much anticipation among fans. The film is scheduled for release in theaters on December 1.
- With inputs from agencies
