MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has initiated legal proceedings against the Congress Party for using a deepfake video featuring him in a fake advertisement.
The artificial intelligence-generated video falsely depicted Khan endorsing the political party, prompting him to file an FIR at a Mumbai Police Station. This move comes as Khan seeks to clear the air and protect his image, given his longstanding policy of not endorsing political parties.
Khan’s spokesperson issued a statement confirming the legal action, emphasizing that the actor has never supported any political faction during his extensive career in the film industry.
The use of deepfake technology in this context not only misrepresents Khan’s personal views but also raises significant ethical and legal concerns about the manipulation of public figures’ images.
This incident surfaces at a time when India is gearing up for elections, amidst a politically charged atmosphere where the main opposition parties have been vocal in their protests.
These protests have largely focused on the recent arrest of prominent opposition leaders, accusations of fascism, election rigging, and what they claim to be unjustified demands by the tax authorities under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
Moreover, concerns have been raised by analysts regarding the alleged use of taxpayer money for self-promotion by the Modi administration.
These concerns are part of broader criticisms related to the government’s expenditure on massive advertising campaigns and the purported politicization of international events, such as the recent G-20 summit.
Critics argue that the summit was used as a platform to further the ruling party’s electoral objectives rather than to address global issues.
The controversy surrounding the misuse of Khan’s image in a political advertisement is part of a larger narrative of misinformation and the ethical challenges posed by advanced digital technologies like AI in the political sphere.
The incident underscores the potential dangers of deepfake technology in manipulating public opinion and the need for stringent measures to prevent its misuse, especially in sensitive periods such as elections.
Aamir Khan’s proactive stance against the unauthorized use of his likeness sets a precedent for other public figures facing similar issues and highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and authenticity in political communications.
As the legal process unfolds, it will likely shed light on the implications of digital content manipulation in politics and possibly prompt more rigorous regulations and public discourse on the subject.
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