Union Minister for Electronics & Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, has echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s concerns about the potential misuse of AI technology, specifically in the form of ‘deepfakes’.
During a speech at the BJP Headquarters in New Delhi on November 17, PM Modi warned of the growing threats of artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes and urged the public to exercise caution. He shared a personal experience of encountering a fake video depicting him performing Garba, emphasizing the need for vigilance against this form of misinformation.
Expressing agreement with the Prime Minister, Rajeev Chandrasekhar underscored the dangers posed by misinformation powered by AI, stating that it represents a clear and present threat to the safety and trust of Indian internet users. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to address this issue, pointing to the IT Rules implemented in April 2023 as a step in the right direction.
Additionally, the Union Minister pledged to continue working on a comprehensive framework, potentially including new legislation, to ensure that deepfakes and misinformation do not jeopardize the safety and trust of India’s 1.2 billion internet users. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and online platforms to maintain a safe, open, and trustworthy internet environment for digital citizens.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar also revealed plans to engage with the industry to prevent deepfakes from causing chaos, harm, or toxicity in the Indian internet landscape, hinting at upcoming developments to strengthen existing frameworks.
The discussion of deepfakes gained prominence following an incident involving actor Rashmika Mandanna, in which a video portraying a woman resembling her went viral. Social media users later confirmed that the video was a deepfake, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to combat the spread of AI-generated misinformation.
Overall, the government is committed to addressing the challenges posed by deepfakes and ensuring a safer and more secure online environment for all Indian citizens.
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