'Saw a Video Where I Was Singing': At BJP's 'Diwali Milan', PM Modi Raises 'Deepfake' Issue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged journalists to educate people on ‘Artificial Intelligence’ (AI) and ‘Deep Fake’. “I saw a video recently where I was singing. People who like me forwarded it,” he said during ‘Diwali Milan’ program at BJP’s central office in New Delhi.

While addressing journalists, PM Modi also referred to his resolve to make India ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India), saying these are not merely words but a ground reality.

He also said that the ‘vocal for local’ initiative has garnered widespread support from the public. Modi further highlighted that India’s accomplishments amid the COVID-19 pandemic have instilled confidence among citizens that the nation’s progress will persist.

He also acknowledged that Chhath Puja has evolved into a ‘rashtriya parva’ (national festival), expressing considerable delight over this development.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology of India, had earlier called out social media platforms for their inability to handle content containing deep fakes and misinformation after the latest deep fake video of Rashmika Mandanna went viral.

He also emphasizes the importance of internet-based platforms to adhere to the IT rules notified in April 2023.

Govt’s Reaction on Deepfake Video

The Centre’s reaction comes after a deepfake video of Mandanna was found circulating on social media platforms earning criticism from several politicians and celebrities. Netizens claimed the video has been morphed and the actual video is of an Indian-origin person living in the UK.

In its advisory, the IT Ministry has directed social media companies to expeditiously take action against the content that is in violation of the rules and regulations well within the timeframes stipulated under the IT Rules 2021, and users are caused not to host such information, content, deepfakes.

“Remove any such content when reported within 36 hours of such reporting and ensure expeditious action, well within the timeframes stipulated under the IT Rules 2021, and disable access to the content or information,” the statement said.