AI Deepfake Scandal: Police Complaint Filed Over Doctored Video of PM Modi's Mother

In a shocking development that underscores the growing concerns over artificial intelligence misuse, a police complaint has been officially filed in Mumbai against an AI-generated deepfake video featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late mother, Heeraben Modi. The controversial video, which depicts her making statements about her son's divine purpose, has ignited a furious debate and prompted swift action from authorities, adding a volatile layer to the ongoing political landscape.

The complaint was lodged by prominent Mumbai BJP leader and lawyer Ashish Shelar, who reported the deepfake to the cyber cell of the Mumbai police.

The video in question allegedly shows Heeraben Modi, who passed away in December 2022, stating that "God has sent him (PM Modi) for a great purpose." This highly sensitive content, appearing on various social media platforms, has been widely condemned as a deliberate act of misinformation, particularly as India navigates its crucial Lok Sabha elections.

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekar wasted no time in denouncing the deepfake, calling it "misinformation" and "illegal content." His strong reaction highlights the government's serious view on the weaponization of AI for political gains.

Such incidents not only threaten the integrity of public discourse but also have the potential to mislead voters and manipulate public sentiment during critical electoral periods.

The Mumbai police have initiated an investigation, with their cyber cell tasked with tracing the origins of the video and identifying the individuals responsible for its creation and dissemination.

The complaint invokes sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertaining to defamation, promoting enmity between groups, and other relevant provisions of the Information Technology (IT) Act, signaling the severity of the alleged offense.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ethical quandaries posed by rapidly advancing AI technology.

While AI offers immense potential for progress, its misuse in generating hyper-realistic but entirely fabricated content poses a significant threat to truth and democracy. The authorities' prompt response in this case sends a clear message: the deliberate spread of deepfake misinformation, especially involving sensitive figures and political contexts, will not be tolerated.

As the investigation unfolds, the public, political parties, and tech experts are closely watching.

The outcome of this case could set a crucial precedent for how India, and indeed the world, addresses the burgeoning challenge of AI deepfakes and ensures accountability for their malicious creation and distribution.