Deepfake video row: Centre to introduce new rules to tackle deepfake threat in society

Deepfake video row: Amid the concerns and safety over deepfake content which had been earlier highlighted and flagged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, several celebrities and other content users, Union Minister for Communications, Electronics & IT Ashwini Vaishnaw today chaired a meeting with social media platforms and stakeholders on how to combat deceptive content. 

Highlighting the Deepfake content as new threat to society, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw discussed four aspects on how to combat deceptive content -

Detection, prevention, reporting mechanism of deep fake and awareness

Further addressing a press conference after the discussions with social media platforms and companies, Ashwini Vaishnaw says, “New regulations will be brought and in the coming weeks, efforts will be made to complete the drafting of regulations.” 

"Regulations can be in the form of amending existing rules or bringing in new rules or making a new law, which is the most appropriate way we will work on it. All the social media platforms agree that today, extensive set of technologies are available to automatically detect. They agree that yes, there are good technologies which are available, the professors also very categorically said that yes, technologies are available,” IT Minister added.

#WATCH | Delhi: On Deep fake, Union Minister for Communications, Electronics & IT Ashwini Vaishnaw says, "Regulations can be in the form of amending existing rules or bringing in new rules or making a new law, which is the most appropriate way we will work on it... All the social… pic.twitter.com/pfkVZXmyBf — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2023

As per the reports and sources, several top-notch social media companies such as NASSCOM, and professors working on Artificial intelligence (AI) were also present in the meetings. 

Actor’s deepfake videos stir controversy 

Deepfake video content featuring actresses Rashmika Mandanna and Katrina Kaif stirred controversy on the internet, amassing over millions views since its release. 

Last week, actress Kajol’s deepfake video surfaces internet which is doing rounds all across social media platforms. The original clip of Kajol featured influencer Rosie Breen who shared the clip on TikTok as part of the ‘Get Ready With Me’ trend.

What are Deepfakes?  

Deepfakes are used to purposefully spread false information or they may have a malicious intent behind their use. They can be designed to harass, intimidate, demean and undermine people. Deepfakes can also create misinformation and confusion about important issues.

The Centre has said that creation and circulation of Deepfakes carry strong penalty - Rs 1 lakh in fine and three years in jail.

Misrepresentation of individuals in Deepfakes has led to the generation of blackmail materials to falsely incriminate people. As these videos and audio recordings can be difficult to verify, the negative impact on reputation can be difficult to recover from, even when verified as a Deepfakes.

- With inputs from agencies

Join Whatsapp Channel