AI-Generated Deepfakes Rattle Indian Election: Bollywood Stars Featured in Fake Videos

Viral deepfake videos featuring Bollywood actors Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh have stirred controversy during India's ongoing general election. In these manipulated clips, both actors purportedly criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi and endorse the opposition Congress party. Despite both actors denying their involvement, the videos have amassed over half a million views on social media platforms.

The emergence of such AI-generated content underscores the potential influence of deepfakes in shaping public opinion during elections. While traditional campaigning in India has relied on door-to-door outreach and public rallies, the widespread use of social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook has introduced new avenues for political messaging.

Congress spokesperson Sujata Paul, who shared one of the videos featuring Ranveer Singh, acknowledged its manipulated nature but refrained from removing it, citing its creative appeal. However, fact-checking platforms and social media companies have flagged the videos as altered or manipulated.

The spread of deepfake videos has prompted a police investigation, with actor Aamir Khan filing a case against unidentified individuals for impersonation and cheating. While efforts are underway to curb the dissemination of these videos, their impact on public perception remains a concern as India grapples with the unprecedented influence of AI in its electoral landscape.