Deep Fake technology: Navigating the dark side of AI advancements in India

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought about a surge in technological innovations, but it has also opened doors to potential misuse.

Deep Fakes, a form of synthetic media that manipulates audio or video footage to make it appear as if someone is saying or doing something they never did, have emerged as a concerning trend in cybercrime.

Uma Pendyala, the head of the global business operator at SecurEyes explained that Deep Fake today has become so advanced and realistic that it has become difficult to differentiate from the real thing.

In India, the rise of Deep Fakes has raised alarms among law enforcement and cybersecurity experts.

While there is no official data on the number of Deep Fake crime cases in the country, the potential for this technology to be used for nefarious purposes is undeniable.

A growing threat

Uma Pendyala explained, that although there are multiple positives to Deep Fake they pose a significant threat to individuals and organisations alike.

They can be used to create fake evidence, defame individuals, spread misinformation, and even blackmail victims. The potential impact of Deep Fakes can be devastating, causing reputational damage, financial loss, and emotional distress.

Recently a video of Rashmika Mandanna went viral, shocking netizens who discovered it was a Deep Fake featuring British Indian influencer Zara Patel.

Mandanna expressed her distress on social media, emphasising the frightening misuse of technology.

The trend of people being blackmailed with their Deep Fake videos and audio and extorting money from them is increasing in southern India.

Although Deep Fake and morphing of photos and video cases were present in northern India, the peninsular Deccan plateau is also witnessing a rise in these cases.

Bengaluru, India's tech hub, grapples with rising apprehension over Deep Fake technology in cybercrime. The city's IT sector and tech-savvy populace render it a prime target for cyber threats.

While no specific Deep Fake cases have been officially documented, numerous individuals have reported falling victim to this deceptive technology on social media.

What can be done?

To combat the rising threat of Deep Fakes, a multifaceted approach is needed. Law enforcement agencies must enhance their capabilities to detect and investigate Deep Fake-related crimes.

Uma Pendyala opines that “there are no strict stringent regulations by the government for combating Deep Fake crimes yet, and until that happens it is the responsibility of people to stay aware of these crimes and stay informed.”

Uma Pendyala strongly urges that Public awareness is key in mitigating the risks associated with Deep Fakes. Individuals should be educated about the dangers of Deep Fakes and how to protect themselves from falling prey to them.

She said, “Information should always be shared on a “need to know” basis and verify all sources.”

She also advised youngsters not to put out too much data on social media and on the internet. While Deep Fakes pose a serious threat to society, they also present an opportunity for innovation.

Uma Pendyala reflects that any technological advancement, especially with AI is a double-edged sword and the power can be harnessed to develop tools that can detect and authenticate Deep Fakes, helping to safeguard individuals and organisations from the harmful effects of this technology.