In response to the recent uproar surrounding the circulation of deepfake videos featuring actresses Rashmika Mandanna and Katrina Kaif, the Indian Government has issued a directive to “social media intermediaries.” This directive, aligned with the IT Rules 2021, mandates the removal of morphed videos or deepfakes from platforms within a stringent 24-hour timeframe following the registration of a complaint.
Deepfakes, leveraging artificial intelligence, have seen a surge in usage by cybercriminals and scammers, marking a 230% increase in recent observations. The technology, employing a machine learning technique known as generative adversarial network (GAN), enables the creation of fabricated content through morphed audio-visual clips and images. Unlike the manipulation of existing videos, deepfake tech has evolved to generate fictional material from scratch.
The collaborative effort between BITS Pilani and Airlinq to champion 5G and IoT innovation in India exemplifies a strategic move towards cutting-edge technology. Airlinq, a US-based technology company specializing in telecommunications and IoT solutions, aims to propel India into the forefront of 5G technology through this partnership. The collaboration, an integral part of the ‘5G Use Case Labs,’ as unveiled at the Indian Mobile Congress 2023, holds the promise of transformative advancements in urban traffic safety and beyond.
As nations grapple with the growing threat of deepfakes, the Indian government’s proactive stance, outlined in the IT Rules 2021, reflects a commitment to combating the misuse of this technology. The directive, reinforcing the removal of reported fake or deepfake-produced content within 36 hours, underscores the urgency to address the potential harms associated with deepfakes.
The global landscape echoes India’s concerns, with countries like the EU, China, and the United States implementing legislative measures to counter the misuse of deepfake technology. The EU has laid out guidelines for an independent network of fact-checkers, while China mandates explicit labeling of doctored content using deepfake tech. In the United States, the bipartisan Deepfake Task Force Act has been introduced to tackle the challenges posed by deepfake technology.
In essence, the government’s directive on deepfakes reflects a pivotal step in safeguarding against the misuse of advanced technologies, signaling a proactive stance in navigating the evolving digital landscape.
