NEW DELHI: The Mumbai Cyber Police have initiated legal action against a gaming website and a Facebook page following the registration of an FIR regarding a deepfake video featuring cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.
The video, manipulated to portray Tendulkar endorsing an app, prompted the former batsman to caution the public against the misuse of technology, on Monday.
In the deepfake video, Tendulkar’s face and voice were altered to create a false narrative where he and his daughter, Sara, claimed to have won a substantial amount of money through online games. The identity of the individuals behind the website and Facebook page remains undisclosed.
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Expressing his concern on social media, Tendulkar urged his fans to report such misleading content and advertisements. He took to X, tagging the Maharashtra Cyber Police, Union Electronics and Information Technology Ministry, and Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrashekar.
“These videos are fake. It is disturbing to see rampant misuse of technology. Request everyone to report videos, ads & apps like these in large numbers. Social media platforms need to be alert and responsive to complaints. Swift action from their end is crucial to stopping the spread of misinformation and fake news. @GoI_MeitY, @Rajeev_GoI and @MahaCyber1,” Tendulkar stated.
In response to the incident, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar assured that new IT rules addressing deepfake issues are expected to be introduced next week. Chandrasekhar emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure internet environment for all citizens.
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“Government is very clear on the compliance of the advisory on deepfake issue, if we find that the advisory is not being followed, we will follow it up with very clear, amended IT rules that we had notified,” Chandrasekhar said.
Sachin Tendulkar Deepfake Video Probe :
FIR filed by Mumbai Police Cyber Cell against the app owner, prompted by a complaint from Sachin Tendulkar’s personal assistant, Ramesh Parde.
Charges include IPC Section 500 (Defamation) and Section 66 of IT Act.
#SachinTendulkar… pic.twitter.com/ZOKQ7LVi3F
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) January 18, 2024
He further stated, “We have also notified an advisory on the deepfake issue. And in the coming days, we will also notify new IT rules.”
Deepfakes, which involve the manipulation of images or recordings to misrepresent individuals, have become a growing concern globally. Celebrities like Tom Hanks, Sara Tendulkar and Rashmika Mandanna have also fallen victim to such technological abuses in recent times.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued an advisory in late December, urging intermediaries to comply with existing information technology rules.