Maharashtra Congress Calls For Committee To Combat Deepfakes Amidst Rashmika Mandanna Video Controversy

The Maharashtra Congress is urging the state government to establish a dedicated committee responsible for formulating a legal and regulatory framework to address the growing concern of deepfakes produced by artificial intelligence.

In a statement posted on X, Sachin Sawant, the general secretary of the party's state unit, emphasized the need for a specialized mechanism capable of identifying and exposing deepfakes. This call to action follows the emergence of a deepfake video featuring actress Rashmika Mandanna circulating on social media platforms, drawing criticism from various politicians and celebrities.

Highlighting the impact on public figures, Sawant pointed out that celebrities like Rashmika Mandanna and even international politicians have been targets of deepfake attacks. He expressed concern that such incidents could not only tarnish the reputations of individuals but also have far-reaching consequences for the common man.

The Congress leader underscored the potential chaos that deepfake attacks could induce in the political landscape, which is already grappling with a decline in discourse. He further emphasized the threat to law and order resulting from the spread of rumors and fake news.

Sawant directly tagged Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in his post, urging them to intervene promptly and implement preventive measures. This appeal aligns with the recent advisory issued by the Central Government to major social media companies, urging them to identify and remove misinformation, deepfakes, and other rule-violating content within 36 hours of being reported.