Edited by Deepali Verma
Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar cautioned everyone against a deep fake video of himself that recently surfaced which has been used to promote an App. The promotion uses Sachin Tendulkar’s manipulated video and voice to make it appear like Tendulkar was promoting the app.
Tendulkar, having spotted the manipulation, took to X cautioning his fans as well the public about the video being fake and urged the people to report such applications, videos and advertisements. Further, he tagged the Maharashtra Cyber Police, Union Electronics and Information Technology Ministry and Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrashekar, in his tweet.
“These are fake videos and it is disturbing to see the rampant misuse of technology. I request each one of you to report videos, ads & apps like these in big numbers. Social media platforms are required to be alert and responsive to complaints. Thereby, swift action is crucial from their end in stopping the spread of misinformation and fake news. @GoI_MeitY, @Rajeev_GoI and @MahaCyber1,” wrote Sachin on X.
In a similar fashion, on November 6 2023, a modified video of actor Rashmika Mandanna surfaced online sparking discussions of digital safety. In the viral video showcased a woman resembling the actress Rashmika entering a lift wearing a black swimsuit. The video received viral status and several social media users came forward to confirm that it was a deep fake. However, it was later identified that the video was of a British actress, Zara Patel.
Rashmika Mandanna strongly reacted to the alleged deep fake video and said, “I am really hurt to share this and have to talk about the deep fake video of me being circulated online. This is honestly extremely scary not only for me but also for each one of us today as it exposes us to so much harm because of how technology is being misused.”
Addressing the deep fake video issue, Union Minister for Communications, Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw said that notices are given to all social media platforms which directs them to take due and significant steps to identify and remove such content. Vaishnaw had said, “We have recently given notices to all the major social media forms, asking them to follow steps to identify deep fakes, for removing those content. The social media platforms have responded positively and are willing to take action.”
