As the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaigns intensify, a disturbing trend has emerged – AI-generated deepfake videos targeting Bollywood actors have inundated social media platforms. These manipulated videos, created using sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms, depict celebrities endorsing political candidates or expressing views they never actually held. With Facebook and X facing mounting pressure, they have taken proactive measures to combat the spread of these deceptive clips.
Deepfakes, a product of advanced AI technology, have become a potent tool for influencing public opinion. In this election season, they are being utilized to exploit the popularity and influence of Bollywood stars to sway voters. The fabricated videos seamlessly superimpose politicians’ speeches onto the faces of renowned actors, lending credibility to the falsified endorsements.
Recognizing the potential for misinformation and its detrimental impact on democratic processes, Facebook and X have initiated aggressive measures to curb the dissemination of such content. Both platforms are leveraging their AI capabilities and human moderation teams to swiftly identify and remove viral deepfake videos. Their concerted efforts aim to mitigate the spread of false narratives and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
However, challenges persist in combating the proliferation of deepfakes. The rapid advancements in AI technology make it increasingly difficult to discern authentic content from manipulated ones. Moreover, the widespread availability of deepfake creation tools exacerbates the problem, enabling malicious actors to produce convincing forgeries with ease.
As the 2024 Lok Sabha election progresses, the battle against deepfakes underscores the critical importance of vigilant moderation and technological innovation in preserving the sanctity of democratic elections. Social media platforms are at the forefront of this fight, and their concerted efforts are essential in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and fostering informed civic engagement.
