A 24-year-old digital marketer named Eemani Naveen was arrested in Andhra Pradesh for producing and sharing a deepfake video featuring popular actress Rashmika Mandanna. Naveen confessed to creating the manipulated video to boost followers on his Instagram account, where he previously managed a fan page dedicated to Mandanna. The deepfake, which seamlessly integrated the face of British-Indian influencer Zara Patel onto Mandanna’s body, quickly went viral, causing distress to the actress.
Charges Against Eemani Naveen
Realizing the potential legal consequences, Naveen swiftly deleted the posts, changed his Instagram channel name, and removed relevant digital data from his devices. Delhi Police, investigating the deepfake, identified Naveen after examining over 500 social media accounts associated with the video. The charges against him encompass various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including forgery and damaging reputation, along with sections of the Information Technology Act addressing identity theft and privacy violations.
Nationwide Concerns and Government Action
The incident has triggered a widespread discussion on the ethical and legal concerns surrounding deepfakes—artificially generated media using artificial intelligence. In response, the government has issued reminders to social media platforms about the legal rules regarding such content and the potential penalties involved. Furthermore, a similar occurrence, where a deepfake video showcased cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar endorsing an online game, prompted Mumbai Police to file a case against an unidentified person.
These cases highlight law enforcement’s commitment to tackling digital forgery and protecting individuals from the malicious misuse of technology. They serve as a crucial reminder of the legal consequences associated with deceptive practices in the digital realm and emphasize the need for vigilance in addressing emerging challenges related to deepfake technology.
