Rashmika Mandanna deepfake: MeitY issues notice to social media platforms
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has directed social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, to take down deceptive deepfake content within a day. This came after the widespread circulation of a deepfake video featuring actor Rashmika Mandanna on social media. The ministry issued a similar warning to the platforms earlier this year after it received reports about the potential use of AI-generated deepfakes manipulating people by generating doctored content.
Legal provisions, penalties for deepfake content
The directive highlighted Section 66D of the Information Technology (IT) Act, which imposes penalties for fraud by impersonation using computer resources, including up to three years in prison and a fine of up to Rs. 1 lakh. It also mentioned Rule 3(2)(b) of the Information Technology Rules, which mandates social media platforms remove content involving impersonation, such as artificially altered images, within 24 hours of receiving a complaint.
Mandanna's deepfake video sparks concern
A recent deepfake video that superimposed Mandanna's face onto a British-Indian social media influencer's footage has gained traction on platforms like Instagram and X. The original video depicted the influencer entering an elevator. Actor Amitabh Bachchan and Union Minister of State for Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar demanded legal action against the creators of the deepfake. Chandrasekhar asserted that deepfakes represent a hazardous form of disinformation that online platforms must address.
Mandanna expresses hurt, concern over deepfake video
In response to the viral deepfake video, Mandanna expressed that she was "really hurt" and found such videos "extremely scary," not only for herself but for everyone susceptible to harm due to the technology's misuse. This incident underscores the potential risks associated with deepfake technology, particularly for women who often experience harassment on digital platforms.
