India's deepfake dilemma

India faces an unprecedented challenge as morphed videos of public figures blur the truth, potentially swaying the fate of the world's largest democracy

- VERNIKA AWAL

On 18 April, a First Investigation Report (FIR) was filed about a video recorded by Bollywood actor Aamir Khan. Within a week, a second FIR was lodged about a different video attributed to fellow Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh. Among many things that seem potentially wrong about this situation, the biggest is that neither Khan nor Singh had ever said what they were seen saying in these alleged videos.

Following up on these FIRs, on 30 April, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India about AI-morphed videos of their leaders. These videos, referred to today as ‘deepfakes’, could have a massive consequence— influencing the next central government and prime minister of the world’s largest democracy and the fifth largest global economy.

THE DEEPFAKE DEBACLE 

Deepfakes are not a new phenomenon, but their presence in the Indian political landscape is a recent development. Over the past five years, the sophistication and capability of artificial intelligence, coupled with the increasing availability of AI-powered tools, have raised concerns about the potential misuse of this technology. As with any new technology, there is potential for both good and bad. With deepfakes, the line between the two is blurred.

Yet, these videos come at a time when India votes to decide its next central government. The outcome would have major consequences, for it would sum up who gets to lead the world’s largest democracy and its economy for the next five years. In such times, opinions against the incumbent government by two prominent public figures, Khan and Singh, could swing thousands, if not more, opinions.