In a move to safeguard the digital identity of women and combat the increasing menace of deepfake content on social media platforms, the Indian government has issued a significant advisory. This advisory comes after a disturbing incident involving a deepfake video of popular actor Rashmika Mandanna surfaced on social media, raising concerns among users.
I. The Growing Threat of Deepfakes
Deepfakes, a product of artificial intelligence technology, enables malicious actors to manipulate audio and video to create convincing but entirely fabricated content. These manipulated media pieces can make it seem like individuals are saying or doing things they never did. While deepfakes have various applications, they are often used with malicious intent, posing a considerable threat to the digital ecosystem.
II. The Rashmika Mandanna Deepfake Incident
A deepfake video featuring actor Rashmika Mandanna circulated on social media, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. The video depicted her face being superimposed onto an existing video, portraying a different woman entering an elevator. This alarming incident underscored the need for swift action against deepfake content.
III. Government’s Advisory to Social Media Companies
In response to the Mandanna deepfake incident, the Indian government issued an advisory to social media companies. The advisory mandates that platforms must remove deepfake content within 36 hours of receiving a complaint. This move is grounded in the Information Technology (IT) rules of 2021, which require online platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation and harmful content.
IV. Protecting Women’s Digital Identities
Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, emphasized the importance of protecting women’s digital identities in light of deepfake threats. He stated that deepfakes not only violate the law but also disproportionately harm women. Chandrasekhar stressed that online platforms are legally obligated to take proactive measures against the spread of deepfake content and to remove it promptly upon receiving reports from users or government authorities.
V. Legal Consequences for Non-compliance
To ensure the compliance of social media platforms, the advisory empowers aggrieved individuals to take legal action against platforms under the Indian Penal Code if they fail to remove deepfake content within the stipulated 36-hour timeframe. This requirement holds platforms accountable and encourages them to take decisive actions against the proliferation of deepfakes.
VI. Prior Advisories and Due Diligence
This is the second advisory issued by the Indian government within the last six months concerning the threat of deepfakes. The government has also urged social media platforms to exercise due diligence in identifying and removing misinformation and deepfake content, further fortifying the digital landscape against deceptive content.
VII. The Urgent Need to Address Identity Theft
Rashmika Mandanna, in response to the deepfake incident, expressed her concerns about the issue of identity theft, stressing the need for urgency in addressing it. She recognized the importance of having a strong support system but expressed concern for vulnerable individuals who might be targeted by deepfake content.
The Indian government’s advisory is a significant step in combating the emerging threat of deepfake content, which has the potential to harm individuals’ digital identities and create misinformation. By mandating swift removal of such content and enabling legal consequences for non-compliance, the government aims to protect women and all internet users from the dangers of deepfakes in the digital age. It remains crucial for social media platforms to take proactive measures and ensure a safer online environment for all.
