A deepfake video featuring popular actress Rashmika Mandanna recently went viral on the internet, raising concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. In the video, a woman identified as Zara Patel is seen dressed in black, entering a lift. However, the video cleverly edits Patel’s face, replacing it with Rashmika’s using AI.
Rashmika’s rumoured boyfriend, actor Vijay Deverakonda, has reacted to the deepfake video on his Instagram story. He wrote, “Extremely important steps for the future. This shouldn’t happen to anyone. Also, an efficient accessible cyber wing for quick crackdowns and punishment will make people more secure.”
The incident prompted action from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, which issued an advisory to social media platforms in response to the deepfake video.
The government advisory stated, “Whoever, by means of any communication device or computer resource cheats by personating, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to a fine which may extend to one lakh rupees.”
Rashmika Mandanna also addressed the issue, expressing her concerns about the viral deepfake video on November 7. She shared her thoughts, saying, “I feel really hurt to share this and have to talk about the deepfake video of me being spread online. Something like this is honestly, extremely scary not only for me, but also for each one of us who today is vulnerable to so much harm because of how technology is being misused.”
The incident highlights the growing concerns regarding deepfake technology and its potential to be misused to harm individuals. The response from both celebrities and government authorities emphasizes the need for stricter regulations and measures to address these emerging challenges in the digital age.