Image Credit: Ranveer Singh
In a disturbing turn of events during Ranveer Singh’s visit to Varanasi, Bollywood Star Ranveer Singh has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the creators of a deepfake video that went viral on social media platforms. The video, which appeared highly realistic, depicted Singh expressing controversial political views he has never publicly endorsed.
Ranveer Singh’s spokesperson confirmed the filing of the FIR, stating, “Mr Singh condemns the creation and circulation of this malicious video. It is a blatant violation of his privacy and a misuse of technology. We are hopeful that the authorities will investigate this matter thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Deepfakes and the Erosion of Trust
Deepfakes, a portmanteau of “deep learning” and “fake,” are synthetic media created using artificial intelligence. They can manipulate existing video and audio footage to make it appear as if someone is saying or doing something they never did. In the case of Ranveer Singh, the deepfake maker superimposed his face while using AI-generated audio to create a fabricated speech.
The rise of deepfakes has become a growing concern, particularly for public figures. The ability to create such convincing forgeries can erode trust in media and sow confusion among the public. Political figures, journalists, and celebrities are all potential targets for deepfake attacks, which can be used to damage reputations, spread misinformation, or influence elections.
The content of the deepfake video targeting Singh remains undisclosed by authorities. However, reports suggest it involved Singh expressing political opinions that differ from his public persona. This has led to speculation about the motives behind the video.
The legal implications of deepfakes are still evolving. In India, there are existing laws against defamation and impersonation, which could potentially be applied in cases like Singh’s. However, the specific challenges posed by deepfakes might necessitate the creation of new legal frameworks to effectively address their misuse.
Several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, are currently exploring ways to regulate deepfakes. Some proposed solutions include mandatory disclaimers for deepfake content and the creation of digital watermarking techniques that can help identify manipulated media.
The deepfake video targeting Ranveer Singh serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of this technology. As deepfakes become more sophisticated, so too must our efforts to combat their misuse. By working together, we can ensure that this technology is used for positive purposes and not to manipulate and deceive.
