Severe harmDeepfake Image-Based Sexual AbuseNovember 5, 2023India

Rashmika Mandanna Deepfake Goes Viral, Triggers MeitY Action

A face-swap deepfake video showing actress Rashmika Mandanna in a black bodysuit entering an elevator went viral on Indian social media in early November 2023. The original footage was of British-Indian content creator Zara Patel; AI was used to superimpose Mandanna's face. The Delhi Commission for Women filed a formal complaint and the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) issued advisories to social media intermediaries.

AI system:Unknown face-swap / deepfake tool

Impact

Delhi Police IFSO unit traced the video across more than 500 social-media accounts. Engagement on the deepfake pushed the host fan-page from approximately 90,000 followers to 108,000 in two weeks. The case became the catalyst for India's IT Rules amendments on deepfake takedown obligations.

Outcome

Eemani Naveen, 24, of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh was arrested in December 2023. MeitY issued multiple advisories to platforms; the Information Technology Rules were amended in 2024 to impose labelling and rapid-removal obligations on intermediaries.

Sources

  1. Source 1The Hinduwww.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/creator-of-deepfake-video-of-actor-rashmika-mandanna-arrested-says-delhi-police/article67759285.ece
  2. Source 2Deccan Heraldwww.deccanherald.com/india/culprit-behind-deepfake-video-of-actor-rashmika-mandanna-arrested-delhi-police-2857478
  3. Source 3ThePrinttheprint.in/india/andhra-engineer-held-for-viral-rashmika-mandanna-deepfake-wanted-to-boost-fanpage-follower-count/1932096/
  4. Source 4The Tribunewww.tribuneindia.com/news/india/creator-of-deepfake-video-of-actor-rashmika-mandanna-arrested-from-south-india-583046/amp

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