In the world’s most populous country, India, with a population of 1.425 billion, the general election atmosphere is in full swing. The elections, which began on April 19 and will end on June 1, have seen the significant impact of Deepfake technology. From a figure who died in 2009 to videos featuring Bollywood star Aamir Khan, the scandal of Deepfake videos is making headlines in the Indian elections.
Deepfake Scandal in Indian Elections
With approximately 970 million voters, Indians are choosing 543 members of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament. Incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi, running for his third term, is leading the polls. Although thousands of small parties are participating, the main contest is between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Indian National Congress (INC), which leads a coalition of 28 parties.
The election is marred by a scandal involving the extensive use of Deepfake technology by both the ruling party and the opposition. The opposition has been using fake videos of Bollywood actors to gain traction, while Prime Minister Modi’s campaign has utilized the technology to translate his campaign messages into different languages. As campaigns continue, Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh and Aamir Khan have filed police complaints against the unauthorized use of their images in Deepfake videos.
Impact of Deepfake Technology
As India heads to the polls, Deepfake technology has infiltrated campaign videos, personalized voice messages in various Indian languages, and even automated calls to voters using candidates’ voices. India’s leading Deepfake expert, Divyendra Jadoun, has expressed uncertainty about the technology’s potential impact on the elections.
In a country lacking sufficient regulations on Deepfake technology, experts criticize the election commission’s silence on the issue. Some Deepfake videos have been cited in the Indian media, raising the risk of misleading voters and spreading disinformation. The use of this technology by both the ruling and opposition parties has exacerbated the spread of false information.
Global Implications
The use of Deepfake technology in the Indian elections carries a global message, highlighting the potential of technological manipulation to undermine democratic processes. The spread of misleading content can erode public trust and compromise information security, underscoring the need for stricter global regulations and ethical use of AI technologies.
As the world watches, the Indian election serves as a crucial example of the challenges posed by Deepfake technology and the urgent need for comprehensive legal frameworks to safeguard democratic integrity.
