Dr. Ritu Banawat, an independent MLA from Bayana constituency in Rajasthan, has been facing a nightmare of deepfake videos circulating on social media platforms for the past five days. The videos, which are allegedly morphed and obscene, have been tarnishing her image and reputation as a public figure and a woman.
Dr. Ritu Banawat learned about the deepfake videos after receiving calls from acquaintances, prompting her to submit a complaint to Bharatpur SP two days ago. After Tuesday’s assembly’s training session, she raised her complaint to speaker Vasudev Devnani. She urged the government and the administration to take strict action against those responsible for creating and circulating fake videos and to ensure the safety and dignity of women in Rajasthan.
Fabricated Narrative, Real-World Consequences
The deepfake video, circulating on social media platforms, purports to show Dr. Ritu Banawat engaging in activities unbecoming of her position. However, the video has been conclusively identified as a fabrication, a product of sophisticated deepfake technology that manipulates existing footage to create a false narrative. Despite clarifications and denials from Dr. Ritu Banawat and her supporters, the damage has been done. The video has gone viral, causing distress and confusion among voters and tarnishing Dr. Ritu Banawat’s image.
Beyond the Individual: A Threat to Democracy
This incident goes beyond the personal ordeal of Dr. Ritu Banawat. It exposes the vulnerability of political figures to malicious manipulation through deepfakes. If fabricated videos can be used to sway public opinion and damage reputations, the very fabric of democratic processes stands threatened. Deepfakes can be weaponized to spread misinformation, undermine trust in institutions, and influence electoral outcomes. The Bayana case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for regulations and ethical frameworks to govern the use of deepfake technology.
Why does it matter?
The incident involving Dr. Ritu Banawat is not an isolated one. There has been a global surge in concern regarding deepfake videos, with authority figures often becoming the targets. The explicit video featuring Dr. Banawat mirrors past events involving public figures, such as the viral deepfake videos of actress Rashmika Mandana.
The widespread sharing of the deepfake video featuring Dr. Ritu Banawat has raised concerns about the potential implications for her personal and professional reputation. Dr. Banawat, who has a strong record of public service, could face setbacks due to this controversy. This situation underscores the necessity to swiftly address deepfake incidents and establish preventative measures to avoid reoccurrence.
Demanding Accountability: A Call for Action
In the wake of this controversy, Dr. Ritu Banawat has demanded a thorough investigation and action against the perpetrators. Law enforcement agencies are currently exploring leads and pursuing legal avenues to bring the creators and disseminators of the deepfake video to justice. This incident necessitates a multi-pronged approach: robust legal frameworks to deter deepfake misuse, technological solutions to detect and remove them, and public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of fabricated media.
What are deepfake videos, and how are they made?
Deepfake videos are synthetic media that use artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate the appearance and voice of a person in an existing video, making it look like they are saying or doing something they never did. The term “deepfake” is a combination of “deep learning” and “fake”, referring to the machine learning techniques that are used to create such videos.
To make a deepfake video, one needs two sources of data: a target video of the person to be impersonated and a source video of the person who provides the facial expressions and voice. The AI algorithm then analyzes and maps the facial features of both videos and transfers the source video’s expressions and voice to the target video, creating a realistic-looking imitation. The process can be done using various software and tools, some freely available online.
The future of politics in India and worldwide hinges on our ability to navigate the treacherous landscape of deepfakes. The Bayana incident serves as a wake-up call, urging us to act urgently and responsibly to safeguard our democratic values and ensure that truth prevails in the digital age.