Deepfake Deluge: AI-Generated False Election Campaigns By Ranveer Singh, Aamir Khan Exposes Major Concern

While some iterations of the deepfake videos have been removed from social media platforms, others persist, highlighting the challenges in combating the proliferation of misinformation.

Ranveer Singh expressed his concern against deepfakes on X.

Source : X/Ranveer Singh

Artificial intelligence (AI)-generated deepfake videos circulating widely on social media have stirred controversy amidst India's ongoing general election campaign. The videos feature prominent Bollywood actors, Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh, purportedly criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and advocating support for the opposition Congress party. In these doctored videos, which have garnered substantial online traction, Khan and Singh purportedly express dissatisfaction with PM Modi's governance, citing unfulfilled promises and economic concerns.

As reported by Reuters, both clips conclude with an endorsement of the Congress party, displaying their election symbol and slogan, "Vote for Justice, Vote for Congress."

The dissemination of these videos underscores the potential impact of AI-generated content in the Indian political landscape, particularly in the context of the current election cycle, which commenced in recent weeks and extends until June.

Deepfakes Taking Over The World

Notably, the use of AI and deepfakes in elections has gained prominence globally, with instances observed in countries like the United States, Pakistan, and Indonesia.

While traditional campaign strategies in India have traditionally revolved around grassroots mobilization and public rallies, the emergence of social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook as pivotal campaigning tools has reshaped political outreach since 2019. This election season marks the inaugural integration of AI technologies into India's electoral process, a significant shift as PM Modi seeks a third term in office.

Legal Actions By Singh, Khan

Reacting to the dissemination of Singh's video, a Congress spokesperson, Sujata Paul, shared the clip on social media, garnering significant engagement. The video has now been removed.

However, both actors have vehemently denied involvement in the creation of these videos, emphasizing their fraudulent nature. Additionally, major platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), along with multiple fact-checking websites, have flagged the videos as manipulated content, reportedly corroborated by Reuters' digital verification unit.

Here's what Singh tweeted, reacting to the deepfake:

Deepfake se bacho dostonnnn 💀

— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) April 19, 2024

In response to mounting concerns, Khan has taken legal action, filing a case in Mumbai against unidentified individuals for impersonation and fraud related to the dissemination of the fake video. Mumbai police, although yet to provide official comments, have reportedly initiated investigations and liaised with social media platforms to remove the contentious content.

While some iterations of the videos have been removed from social media platforms, others persist, highlighting the challenges in combating the proliferation of misinformation. With India boasting nearly 900 million internet users and a burgeoning social media presence, the impact of such deceptive content on public discourse remains a pressing concern as the nation approaches its electoral decision.