Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again drawn attention to the issue of deepfakes circulating on social media, emphasizing that AI-generated videos and images appear highly realistic. During the grand finale of the Smart India Hackathon, PM Modi engaged with students and underscored the importance of exercising caution when dealing with new technologies.
Addressing the students, PM Modi urged vigilance in the use of emerging technologies, highlighting their potential benefits when employed judiciously. However, he cautioned that misuse could lead to significant problems. Specifically, he drew attention to the growing prevalence of deepfake videos created through generative AI, emphasizing their deceptive authenticity.
"These videos look very real, and, therefore, we need to be very careful before believing the authenticity of a video or an image. India is emphasizing a global framework for AI," stated the Prime Minister.
PM Modi's remarks come amid concerns surrounding deepfake videos featuring Bollywood actors circulating on social media platforms, raising alarms about the potential misuse of AI technology. Deepfake technology utilizes AI to manipulate images or videos, enabling individuals to impersonate others and depict fabricated scenarios.
This is not the first time PM Modi has expressed concerns about deepfakes. During the virtual G20 summit on November 22, he advocated for global regulations for AI, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of society. On November 17, he identified deepfakes as a significant threat and encouraged the media to educate the public about the rising problem.
While addressing the Smart India Hackathon, PM Modi expressed confidence in India's ability to provide cost-effective, high-quality, sustainable, and scalable solutions to global challenges. He highlighted the importance of achieving self-reliance in technology, asserting that India's goal should be to avoid dependence on imported technologies, especially in critical sectors like defense.
