Mumbai Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against unidentified individuals for allegedly creating and circulating an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated video on Instagram with the intent to defame Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The complaint was lodged by a local resident who reported the deepfake content to the authorities.
Details of the Case
The FIR was filed at the Cyber Police Station in Mumbai under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. According to police officials, the video was created using AI technology to manipulate visuals and audio to portray PM Modi in a false and derogatory manner. The clip was uploaded on Instagram and quickly gained traction, prompting the complainant to alert the police.
Senior police inspector Rajesh Patil stated, "We have taken cognizance of the complaint and initiated an investigation. The video is being analyzed by forensic experts to trace the origin and identify the perpetrators. We urge citizens to be cautious and report any such malicious content."
Legal Implications
The case highlights the growing threat of deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation. Legal experts note that such acts can attract charges of defamation, forgery, and violating the IT Act. The police have registered the FIR under Sections 499 and 500 of the IPC (defamation) and Section 66D of the IT Act (cheating by impersonation using computer resource).
Public Advisory
Mumbai Police have issued a public advisory urging people not to share unverified content, especially deepfakes. They have also set up a helpline for reporting such incidents. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited.
