Delhi Police Claims Arrest of Main Culprit Behind Rashmika Mandanna's Deepfake

Delhi Police have reported the apprehension of the primary suspect responsible for creating and spreading a deepfake video featuring popular actor Rashmika Mandanna. The video, which surfaced on November 6, 2023, went viral, causing widespread concern and highlighting the rising issue of deepfake content on social media.

The investigation into Rashmika's case began in November, marking the initial instance, and subsequent deepfake videos emerged, targeting other notable personalities such as Alia Bhatt, Kajol, and Sachin Tendulkar. Authorities had been actively pursuing leads, interrogating social media users who shared the deepfake featuring Rashmika. The recent breakthrough by the Delhi Police marks a step forward in addressing the growing threat posed by manipulated content online.

Amidst the wave of deepfake incidents, even sports icon Sachin Tendulkar fell victim to this malicious trend. A gaming app exploited technology to morph a video of Sachin Tendulkar, launching a deceptive promotional campaign. Responding to this, Mumbai Cyber Police initiated legal action against the app. Sachin Tendulkar took to social media to clarify the falsity of the video and urged followers to report such misleading content. He emphasized the need for social media platforms to be vigilant and responsive to complaints, with swift action being crucial in curbing the spread of misinformation.

The prevalence of deepfake videos has raised concerns about the misuse of technology, prompting reactions from public figures like Sachin Tendulkar. The incident involving Rashmika Mandanna's deepfake served as a catalyst for heightened scrutiny and stringent rules. Union Minister of State for IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, announced that the government is actively working on tighter regulations under the Information Technology Act to ensure strict compliance by online platforms. As deepfakes and misinformation continue to pose challenges, the government aims to monitor the remedial measures implemented by platforms to address this evolving issue.