Deepfake Debacle: Delhi Police Files FIR Against Congress Over Manipulated Video of PM Modi's Mother

In a significant development that has sent ripples through the political landscape, the Delhi Police has officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the Congress party. The action comes in response to a highly controversial deepfake video circulating online, which allegedly features Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late mother, Hiraben Modi.

This move underscores the escalating concerns surrounding the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, particularly deepfakes, to generate and spread misinformation.

The deepfake video in question is reported to have digitally manipulated images or footage of PM Modi's mother, creating a false narrative or context that has been widely condemned across various platforms.

The FIR, lodged after a formal complaint, signifies the serious legal ramifications associated with creating and disseminating such digitally altered content.

While the specific sections under which the FIR has been registered are yet to be fully disclosed, they are expected to include provisions related to forgery, defamation, promoting enmity between groups, and various sections of the Information Technology (IT) Act, which address cybercrime and digital manipulation.

The accusation against the Congress party has ignited a fresh political firestorm.

Leaders from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have vehemently condemned the alleged involvement, accusing the opposition of resorting to unethical and malicious tactics to defame and mislead the public, especially by involving a private citizen and the Prime Minister's revered mother.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stringent regulations and enhanced digital literacy to combat the burgeoning threat of deepfakes.

As AI technology becomes more accessible, the potential for its misuse in political campaigns, public discourse, and to harm individuals' reputations grows exponentially. Law enforcement agencies worldwide are grappling with the complexities of identifying, prosecuting, and preventing the spread of such sophisticated digital deception.

The Delhi Police's investigation is now underway, and it is anticipated that further details regarding the origins of the video, the individuals or entities responsible for its creation and propagation, and the extent of the Congress party's alleged involvement will emerge.

The outcome of this high-profile case could set a crucial precedent for how deepfake-related offences are handled in India, particularly when they involve prominent public figures and have the potential to impact political narratives.