New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stark warning about the escalating menace of deep fakes in contemporary digital media, emphasising the imperative for media to educate the public on the nuances of Artificial Intelligence (AI).Speaking at the Diwali Milan program at the BJP Headquarters, PM Modi underscored the potential malicious use of AI to disseminate misinformation.Understanding and Combating DeepfakesPM Modi urged journalists to enlighten the public about the adverse impacts of leveraging artificial intelligence to propagate harmful content, citing instances of manipulated videos, including one showing him singing a Garba song. The looming threat of deep fakes, he cautioned, could pose significant problems.Malicious Intent and Legal ImplicationsDeepfakes, designed to intentionally spread false information or harbour malicious intent, have the potential to harass, intimidate, and undermine individuals. The Centre has imposed stringent penalties for the creation and dissemination of deepfakes, including a Rs 1 lakh fine and three years of imprisonment.Risks of Misrepresentation and Reputation DamageMisrepresentation in deepfakes has led to the generation of blackmail materials, causing false incrimination. Due to the difficulty in verifying such videos and audio recordings, the negative impact on an individuals reputation can be challenging to rectify even after confirming them as deepfakes.Vocal for Local Campaign and Global RecognitionShifting the focus, PM Modi highlighted the success of the Vocal for Local campaign, asserting that the idea of a fully developed India had transcended rhetoric to become a tangible reality. He encouraged prioritising local products, noting the flourishing of local businesses under the campaign.Indias Global Standing and Diwali Milan ProgramAcknowledging Indias strengthened global position, PM Modi, along with BJP leadership, attended the Diwali Milan program at the BJP central office in New Delhi. Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda were also present at the event, which included the participation of journalists from the Indian media.The Prime Ministers emphasis on the threat of deepfakes aligns with the growing concerns globally about the misuse of AI technologies in manipulating digital content.(With ANI Inputs)
