In a significant development, Delhi Police have successfully apprehended the mastermind responsible for creating and circulating a deepfake video featuring popular actor Rashmika Mandanna. The deepfake, which emerged online and went viral on November 6, 2023, raised concerns about the misuse of technology to manipulate and deceive.
1. Arrest of Main Culprit
The Delhi Police announced on Saturday that they have arrested the main culprit behind the creation and dissemination of the deepfake video involving Rashmika Mandanna. The video had superimposed Rashmika’s face onto a video originally featuring British influencer Zara Patel.
2. Rashmika Mandanna Ongoing Investigation
Since November, the Delhi Police had been actively investigating the Rashmika Mandanna deepfake case, which served as the initial instance, followed by similar incidents involving celebrities such as Alia Bhatt, Kajol, and Sachin Tendulkar. The authorities interrogated several social media users who shared the deepfake video, and this recent arrest marks a breakthrough in the case.
3. Misuse of Technology in Recent Cases
Apart from the Rashmika Mandanna case, the issue of deepfake videos has become a growing concern. A recent incident involved a gaming app morphing a video of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, leading to a false promotional campaign. Mumbai Cyber Police filed an FIR against the app, emphasizing the urgent need to address the misuse of technology.
4. Celebrities Speaking Out
Sachin Tendulkar, a victim of deepfake manipulation, took to social media to denounce the fake video involving him. He urged followers to report such misleading content and emphasized the importance of swift action from social media platforms to curb the spread of misinformation and fake news.
5. Government’s Response
Union Minister of State for IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing the deepfake menace. He mentioned that tighter rules under the Information Technology Act are in the works to ensure platform compliance. The government recognizes the rising challenges posed by deepfakes and misinformation, prompting a vigilant approach and continuous monitoring.
6. Stringent Rules to Combat Deepfakes
Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar emphasized the need for stringent rules to combat the spread of deepfakes and misinformation. The Information Technology Act is expected to undergo modifications to strengthen regulations and hold platforms accountable for preventing the proliferation of manipulated content.
The arrest of the mastermind behind Rashmika Mandanna’s deepfake video marks a crucial step in the battle against digital deception. As the government works on reinforcing regulations, celebrities and authorities continue to advocate for swift and decisive action to curb the misuse of technology and protect individuals from falling victim to deepfake manipulations. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving issue.
Also Read – Viral Deepfake Video of Rashmika Mandanna Worries Amitabh Bachchan