The Sachin Tendulkar Deepfake controversy has once again brought into the limelight the urgent need for governments across the globe to wake up to the dangers of the phenomenal growth of AI technology. Recently, a video featuring the legendary Indian cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar, has been making rounds on the internet. But there’s a twist – it’s not him! This video is a deepfake, a type of video that uses advanced technology to make it seem like someone is saying or doing something they never did.
In this case, the deepfake video shows Sachin promoting an app and claiming that his daughter (Sara Tendulkar) earns a hefty sum from an online game called Aviator. But Sachin has clarified on social media that this video is fake and he has never made such statements.
Sachin’s Response
Sachin has taken a strong stand against this misuse of technology. He has urged everyone to report such videos, apps, or advertisements if they come across them. He believes that it’s important for social media platforms to be vigilant and take swift action against those responsible for creating and spreading such content. He has also appealed to the Ministry of Electronics, IT, and Union Minister of State of this Ministry, Rajeev Chandrashekhar, to take action on this issue.
“These videos are fake. It is disturbing to see rampant misuse of technology. Request everyone to report videos, ads & apps like these in large numbers. Social Media platforms need to be alert and responsive to complaints. Swift action from their end is crucial to stopping the spread of misinformation and deepfakes.” wrote the legendary cricketer on X.
Actress Rashmika Mandanna Deepfake Issue
The Sachin Tendulkar Deepfake issue is not the first in which a leading Indian celebrity has been affected by the AI wave. A few weeks earlier leading Telugu and Bollywood actress Rashmika Mandanna also faced a similar issue. A video went viral that falsely depicted her entering an elevator in a revealing bodycon dress. It was found to be deepfake and in reality, the original video featured a British-Indian influencer named Zara Patel and it was manipulated in such a way that it was Rashmika shocking her fans.
Rashmika expressed her concern about the misuse of technology and the potential harm it can cause. She described the incident as “extremely scary” and highlighted how technology can be easily manipulated for such unacceptable deeds. She also emphasized the need for a community response and urgent action to prevent more people from being affected by identity theft.
The incident sparked discussions about the need for legal and regulatory measures to combat deepfake technology. Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan supported Mandanna and called for legal action against the creators of the deepfake video. This incident has brought attention to the drawbacks of technology and the increasing popularity of AI.
What is Deepfake Technology?
Now, some of you might be wondering, what exactly is this deepfake technology? Well, deepfake is a technique that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically a type called deep learning, to create fake images, audio, or videos. It can make it seem like someone is saying or doing something they never did, which is why it’s called “deepfake”. Also Read : AI Deepfake Porn shows up on top of Google, and Bing search Results shocking Netizens
Steps that the Indian government has taken to combat Deepfakes
The Sachin Tendulkar Deepfake issue has once again sparked a debate on the urgent need for lawmakers to intervene. The IT Ministry in India has taken significant steps to address these concerns, including industry consultations and an advisory that obliges tech companies to caution users against posting harmful digital materials. There are also indications that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is considering amending the IT Rules to strengthen the advisory’s legal standing.
Minister of State for Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar quickly responded taking to X “Thank you @sachin_rt for this tweet #DeepFakes and misinformation powered by #AI are a threat to Safety&Trust of Indian users and represent harm & legal violation that platforms have to prevent and take down. Recent Advisory by @GoI_MeitY requires platforms to comply wth this 100%. We will be shortly notifying tighter rules under IT Act to ensure compliance by platforms,”
The Bottom Line
While technology like AI has many amazing uses, it’s important to remember that it can also be misused, as in the case of deepfakes. We must stay informed and vigilant in this digital age. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is fake!
