A deepfake video featuring Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh endorsing a political party has stirred controversy and attracted widespread attention on social media platforms. The emergence of this AI-generated video follows a similar controversy involving actor Aamir Khan’s deepfake video, raising concerns about the manipulation of digital content for political purposes.
Background: Ranveer Singh’s Visit to Varanasi
The original footage used in the deepfake video captures Ranveer Singh during his recent visit to Varanasi, where he shared his impressions of the city. Singh’s presence in Varanasi gained attention as he walked the runway alongside actress Kriti Sanon as the showstopper for designer Manish Malhotra’s fashion show at Varanasi’s Namo Ghat.
The Emergence of the Deepfake Video
Despite the innocuous nature of Singh’s visit to Varanasi, an AI-generated video has surfaced, depicting the actor endorsing a political party in anticipation of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The deepfake video has garnered significant attention on social media, triggering discussions about the authenticity of digital content and its potential impact on public perception.
Aamir Khan’s Controversial Deepfake Video
The controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh’s deepfake video comes in the wake of a similar incident involving actor Aamir Khan. Khan’s spokesperson issued a statement denying the actor’s endorsement of any political party throughout his 35-year career. The statement emphasized Khan’s dedication to raising public awareness through Election Commission campaigns, refuting the authenticity of the deepfake video.
Response from Aamir Khan
In response to the circulation of the deepfake video, Aamir Khan has taken legal action by filing a complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell of the Mumbai Police. Khan has reiterated the importance of voter participation and urged Indians to actively engage in the electoral process, emphasizing the need for vigilance against misinformation and fake news.
The proliferation of deepfake videos in the political sphere raises concerns about the manipulation of digital content for propagandistic purposes. As public figures like Ranveer Singh and Aamir Khan become targets of deepfake technology, there is a pressing need for heightened awareness and stringent measures to combat the spread of misinformation and uphold the integrity of democratic processes.
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