Vaishnaw Flags Deepfakes As Major Threat
Artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes and coordinated misinformation campaigns pose a major threat to public trust and democratic processes in India, Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has warned. Vaishnaw highlighted the rising risks as technology makes synthetic content more convincing and harder to detect.
Ashwini Vaishnaw On Deepfakes Threat To Public Trust
In a statement to media and officials, Ashwini Vaishnaw said deepfakes and manipulated content are being used to spread false narratives that can mislead citizens and undermine confidence in institutions. He described the rapid growth of AI-generated videos, audio and images as “a significant challenge” for information integrity, noting that such content can be exploited to influence public opinion and destabilise social cohesion.
Government Strategy Against Misinformation Disinformation
Vaishnaw outlined government efforts to develop technological tools and legal frameworks to counter misinformation and disinformation. He said authorities are working with technology companies, researchers and law enforcement to improve detection of deepfakes and trace sources of coordinated online deception. The focus includes strengthening digital literacy among the public and promoting responsible use of AI technologies.
Impact Of Synthetic Media On Elections And Security
The minister warned that deepfakes could be particularly damaging during elections and periods of social tension, when false content may spread rapidly on social platforms. He urged social media firms to adopt proactive measures to identify and remove manipulated media, and called for international cooperation to set norms for ethical AI development. Vaishnaw emphasised that preserving trust in verified information is essential for democratic engagement and national security.
