Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has voiced his concern over a deep fake video circulating on social media, wherein he appears to be endorsing an online gaming app. This incident adds to the growing list of Indian celebrities, including actresses Rashmika Mandanna, Alia Bhatt, Kajol, and Katrina Kaif, who have fallen victim to such manipulative videos.
Tendulkar’s Disapproval:
Tendulkar took to social media to denounce the deep fake video, emphasising that the video was entirely fabricated. Expressing his distress, he posted on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the widespread misuse of technology to create misleading content. The video falsely depicted Tendulkar promoting the gaming app as a lucrative means to earn quick money.
Celebrity Voices Against Deep Fakes:
This incident follows actress Rashmika Mandanna’s plea to refrain from sharing deep fake content after a video with her face morphed onto another woman’s Instagram post gained traction. Mandanna, who found the experience “extremely scary,” encouraged others to speak out against such digital manipulations. The alarming rise in deep fake videos has prompted Indian celebrities to unite in raising awareness about the potential dangers and consequences.
Tendulkar’s Call for Action:
Tendulkar highlighted the role of social media platforms in addressing the issue promptly. He urged users to report such deceptive videos, emphasising the need for swift action to curb the spread of misinformation and deep fakes. The cricket icon stressed the importance of social media platforms being vigilant and responsive to user complaints.
Government’s Response:
In response to Tendulkar’s concerns, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, India’s junior minister for information technology (IT), expressed the government’s commitment to combatting deep fakes. He acknowledged the threats posed by deepfakes and misinformation powered by AI to the safety and trust of internet users. Chandrasekhar affirmed that the government would soon introduce stricter rules under the IT Act to ensure the prompt removal of deep fake videos by social media platforms.
Government’s Efforts to Combat Deepfakes:
Chandrasekhar and federal IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw have previously spoken out against deep fakes. In a meeting with social media platforms and AI companies, Vaishnaw announced the government’s intent to develop a clear and actionable plan to tackle deep fakes. He emphasised that social media platforms must comply with regulations to prevent the dissemination of misinformation.
Sachin Tendulkar’s condemnation of the deep fake video serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for regulatory measures to curb the misuse of technology. As the Indian government prepares to implement stricter rules, the collective efforts of celebrities and officials aim to safeguard the trust and safety of citizens in the digital realm. The fight against deepfakes is gaining momentum, with Tendulkar and other influencers urging both public vigilance and swift regulatory action.
