Bengaluru: A seemingly innocuous condolence message turned into a nightmare for veteran Kannada actor Doddanna S after unidentified miscreants used artificial intelligence tools to fabricate and circulate a tribute post falsely declaring his death.
Fake Post Circulates on Facebook
The fraudulent post appeared on the Facebook page titled ‘public friendnews’, sparking widespread confusion among the actor’s friends, fans, and well-wishers. The 77-year-old actor, known for his extensive work in Kannada cinema, was shocked to see the announcement spreading rapidly across social media platforms.
Emotional Trauma for the Actor
In his complaint filed on Monday, Doddanna stated that the fake death notice prompted an overwhelming number of calls and messages from people inquiring about his well-being. He described the incident as deeply embarrassing and emotionally traumatic, adding that it has damaged his reputation.
Police Investigation Underway
The North Cyber Crime police have registered a case under the Information Technology Act. Authorities confirmed that efforts are underway to trace the individuals responsible for creating and posting the false information online.
Impact of AI Misuse
This incident highlights the growing misuse of AI tools to spread misinformation. The actor urges the public to verify news from credible sources before reacting. The police have warned that strict action will be taken against those found guilty of cyber crimes.
