Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has become the latest victim of a ‘deepfake’ scandal, as a manipulated video of him promoting a gaming app goes viral online. The actor has denied any involvement in such endorsements and has taken legal action against the makers of the video for misusing his identity.

What is a ‘deepfake’ video?

A ‘deepfake’ video is a type of synthetic media that uses artificial intelligence to create realistic but false images or videos of people. The term ‘deepfake’ comes from combining ‘deep learning’ and ‘fake’. These videos can be used for various purposes, such as entertainment, satire, or malicious intent.

How did Akshay Kumar get involved in the scandal?

According to reports, the ‘deepfake’ video falsely shows Akshay Kumar endorsing a gaming app called ‘Aviator’. The video features the actor saying, “Do you like to play too? I advise you to download this application and try the aviator game. This is the popular slot all over the world that everyone plays here. We are not playing against the casino but against other players.”

The video was circulated on social media by a handle called ‘@akshaykumarofficial’ and was also promoted by a company involved in producing and marketing the gaming app. However, Akshay Kumar has clarified that he has never engaged in promotions for such activities and has filed a cyber complaint against the responsible parties.

What are the legal consequences of the ‘deepfake’ video?

The ‘deepfake’ video has not only damaged Akshay Kumar’s reputation but also violated his right to privacy and intellectual property. The actor has sought legal remedies to address the misuse of his identity and to stop the further dissemination of the video. The authorities are investigating the source of the fabricated content and the motive behind it.

How can you protect yourself from ‘deepfake’ videos?

‘Deepfake’ videos are becoming more sophisticated and convincing, making it harder to distinguish them from real ones. However, there are some ways to spot and avoid them, such as:

• Checking the source and credibility of the video and the platform where it is posted
• Looking for signs of manipulation, such as unnatural facial expressions, lip movements, or voice quality
• Using tools or websites that can detect or verify the authenticity of videos
• Reporting or flagging any suspicious or misleading videos that you encounter

‘Deepfake’ videos are a serious threat to the trust and integrity of information in the digital age. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant and aware of the potential risks and harms of such videos.