Actor Ranveer Singh files complaint with police over viral deepfake video

Ranveer Singh deepfake video

Actor Ranveer Singh has taken legal action against the circulation of a deepfake video on social media, lodging a complaint with the Mumbai police's Cyber Crime Cell. The video, which falsely depicted Singh expressing political views, was created using AI technology, prompting concerns about the misuse of deepfake technology. The incident comes in the wake of similar instances involving other celebrities, including Aamir Khan and Rashmika Mandanna, who have also faced deepfake videos spreading false information. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for a legal and regulatory framework to address the growing threat of deepfake technology in India.

In recent times, deepfake videos have emerged as a significant concern, with the potential to spread misinformation and manipulate public opinion. Deepfake technology utilizes artificial intelligence to create realistic-looking videos or audios of individuals saying or doing things they never did. These fabricated media can be extremely convincing, making it difficult for viewers to distinguish between what is real and what is fake.

Ranveer Singh, known for his roles in popular Bollywood films such as "Padmaavat," became a victim of deepfake technology when a video purportedly featuring him expressing political views went viral on social media. The video, created using an AI-generated voice clone of the actor, was shared widely, leading to confusion among the public. Concerned about the potential impact of such deceptive content, Singh took swift action by filing a complaint with the Mumbai police.

Confirming the lodging of the complaint, Singh's spokesperson emphasized the seriousness of the matter. The FIR filed against those responsible for creating and disseminating the deepfake video underscores the need for stringent measures to combat the spread of misleading content online.

Singh's case is not an isolated incident, as several other celebrities have also been targeted by deepfake technology in the past. Aamir Khan, another prominent Bollywood actor, faced a similar situation when a deepfake video of him endorsing a political party surfaced online. In response, Khan's spokesperson clarified that the actor had never endorsed any political party throughout his career, highlighting the potential damage caused by such fabricated content.

Similarly, actress Rashmika Mandanna was the subject of a morphed video that circulated on social media platforms. The actress, along with other celebrities, including megastar Amitabh Bachchan, called for urgent action to address the misuse of deepfake technology. Bachchan, who collaborated with Mandanna on a film, emphasized the need for a legal framework to tackle the growing threat posed by deepfake videos.

The incident involving Ranveer Singh serves as a wake-up call regarding the dangers of deepfake technology and the urgent need for regulatory measures to curb its misuse. As advancements in AI continue to fuel the proliferation of deepfake content, it is imperative for authorities to take proactive steps to safeguard individuals' reputations and prevent the spread of false information. Through concerted efforts by law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and tech companies, it is possible to mitigate the risks associated with deepfake technology and uphold the integrity of online content.