PM Modi says he is a victim of deepfakes.Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a candid acknowledgment, highlighted the looming threat of deepfakes as one of the most significant challenges facing the Indian system. Speaking at the BJP's Diwali Milan programme in Delhi, he emphasized that the potential for chaos in society through the manipulation of deepfake technology is a pressing concern that demands attention.
Addressing journalists, the Prime Minister urged both citizens and the media to exercise heightened vigilance in the face of the misuse of artificial intelligence for creating deepfakes. Recognizing the potential harm, he specifically called on the media to play a crucial role in educating the public about this rising problem.
During his address, PM Modi illustrated the gravity of the issue by referencing a deepfake video portraying him participating in the traditional dance form of Garba. Describing the video as "very real," he clarified that he hasn't engaged in Garba since his youth. Fact Check revealed that the individual in the video is not the Prime Minister but rather his lookalike, the actor Vikas Mahante.
A vigilant X user further shared a screenshot of Mahante's Instagram story, revealing that the actor had posted a video on November 7, announcing his participation as a chief guest at a 'Diwali Mela' in London. In this video, Mahante can be seen on the same Garba stage as the one depicted in the deepfake, wearing the same attire.
The phenomenon of deepfakes, as highlighted by PM Modi, extends beyond political figures, impacting various actors such as Kajol, Katrina Kaif, and Rashmika Mandanna. This underscores the urgent need for awareness and preventative measures to curb the potential repercussions of manipulated content through deepfake technology. The call to action resonates not only in political circles but across the broader spectrum of society, emphasizing the collective responsibility to combat this emerging threat.