Fake Video Alert: Virat Kohli Is The Latest Victim Of Deepfake (image-twitter/imVkohli)
Amidst the disturbing trend of deepfake videos, misappropriating the images and voices of public figures, the latest incident involves a deepfake video featuring Indian cricketer Virat Kohli endorsing a betting app.
The fabricated video, skilfully manipulated to mimic Kohli’s mannerisms and voice, shows him promoting the betting app, creating the impression that the cricketer is guaranteeing profits from investment made through the app. The viral video shows him speaking in Hindi, listing out the features and benefits of using the app.
The AI generated video also includes a doctored footage of prominent TV journalist and anchor Anjana Om Kashyap, showing the ad during a live news segment to create a sense of authenticity. The advertisement portrays Kohli making a substantial profit by investing a minor amount, aiming to lure viewers with promises of easy money.
The emergence of this deepfake video has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world and beyond, raising concerns about the infiltration of deceptive, AI generated content and the potential misuse of celebrities’ likeness for nefarious purposes.
However, this isn”t an isolated incident. Previously, a fake video emerged depicting cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar discussing his daughter”s interest in a “money-making” game, a fabrication swiftly denounced by Tendulkar himself.
In a recent development, the Delhi Police arrested a 24-year-old man for allegedly creating a deepfake video of actress Rashmika Mandanna, intending to boost a fan page he had established. This incident, along with numerous others, highlights the ease with which deepfake technology can be misused to manipulate and deceive. Actors such as Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt have also been targeted through these deepfake videos.
Moreover, sexually explicit deepfake images of singer Taylor Swift circulated rapidly across social media platforms, reigniting calls from US lawmakers to address the rampant misuse of such technology and protect individuals from malicious intent.
As the menace of deepfake manipulation continues to escalate, the onus lies on technology companies and law enforcement organisations as well as on individuals to critically evaluate the authenticity of online media and refrain from promoting misleading information.
