The principal individual accused in the case involving a deepfake video featuring actor Rashmika Mandanna has been apprehended by the Delhi Police in Andhra Pradesh as of Saturday.
The incident in question pertains to a deepfake video of Mandanna that gained widespread circulation on social media in November 2023. This manipulated video showcased the face of British-Indian influencer Zara Patel, attired in a black workout dress, seamlessly replaced with that of the Bollywood actor.
After the occurrence, the Delhi Police initiated legal action by registering a case under sections 465 (forgery) and 469 (harming reputation) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, along with sections 66C (identity theft) and 66E (privacy violation) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Rashmika Mandanna, renowned for her roles in films like "Pushpa," "Mission Majnu," and the forthcoming "Animal," voiced her apprehension regarding the technological manipulation that led to the viral spread of her deepfake video. In a social media statement, Mandanna expressed being "really hurt" by the circulation of the video.
The video's dissemination prompted government intervention, leading to a stern reminder to social media platforms about the legal ramifications surrounding deepfakes and the associated penalties. Deepfake, a digital technique employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, enables the convincing replacement of a person's likeness with that of another.
In a parallel incident this week, a deepfake video featuring former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar surfaced on social media. The manipulated video portrays Tendulkar endorsing an online game, using the example of his daughter Sara purportedly earning Rs 1.8 lakh per day through predictions.
Responding to this occurrence, the Mumbai Police initiated legal proceedings by registering a case against an unidentified individual connected to the creation and dissemination of the video.
