AI-generated videos featuring Indian political figures have sparked controversy during the country's mammoth general election, raising concerns about the misuse of technology and its potential impact on public perception and safety.
One video depicts an animated version of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi dancing exuberantly on stage, garnering praise for its creativity. Modi himself reshared the video, appreciating the innovation during the election season.
In contrast, another video portrays Modi's rival, Mamata Banerjee, dancing to a critical speech she made against defections to Modi's party. This video prompted a police investigation due to concerns about its potential to incite unrest.
The ease of creating AI-generated videos, often indistinguishable from reality, raises concerns about misinformation, particularly in a country where a significant portion of the population lacks tech literacy. Misleading content can exacerbate societal tensions, especially during elections.
The Election Commission warned against the use of AI for spreading misinformation, citing legal consequences. However, authorities acknowledge the challenges of monitoring and controlling content on social media platforms.
AI and deepfake technologies have been increasingly utilized in elections worldwide. In India, the spread of such videos highlights the difficulties faced by authorities in regulating digital content.
Despite efforts to regulate content, authorities struggle to monitor social media effectively, relying on cooperation from platforms and users. In some cases, legal action has been taken against individuals sharing AI-generated videos.
AI-generated videos, including those of Modi and Banerjee, were created using Viggle, a free website. The platform allows users to generate videos based on photographs and prompts, raising questions about accountability and ethical use.
The proliferation of AI-generated videos poses significant challenges for Indian authorities, particularly during election periods. As technology continues to evolve, policymakers and regulators must find effective strategies to address the risks associated with AI misuse.
