A case has emerged involving an attempt to defraud people through an AI deepfake video of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. The Tamil Nadu Police’s CB-CID registered a case on September 1 and launched an investigation.
In the video, a man resembling Vijay was seen speaking to people in Hindi and asking them to contact a WhatsApp number for financial assistance.
The fake video was circulated on several social media platforms, including Facebook, in an attempt to defraud people. The investigation has indicated that some of the fake videos and social media accounts may have been operated from Pakistan.
Multiple deepfake videos found in investigation
During its initial investigation, the CB-CID found several AI deepfake videos claiming to seek financial assistance in Vijay’s name. These videos were being shared across different social media platforms.
For the investigation, the CB-CID has contacted Meta, Facebook’s parent company. Police have sought information about fake accounts and logs related to video uploads.
The investigation is underway to determine who created the videos, who uploaded them, and which accounts and phone numbers were used to circulate them.
Police have asked social media platforms to remove the videos and stop their circulation. The cyber team is working to identify the accused.
Police appeal — do not contact the numbers
The Tamil Nadu Police have appealed to people not to contact the phone numbers mentioned in such videos or join the WhatsApp groups referred to in them.
Police clarified that the videos claiming to seek financial assistance from the Chief Minister are fake AI deepfakes. People have been advised to ignore such content and alert their family members and relatives as well.
Difficult to distinguish real and fake deepfake videos
In today’s digital age, AI can be used to alter real photos, audio and videos to create fake content. This is known as a deepfake. It can be difficult to distinguish between real and fake content. In simple terms, a deepfake is an advanced form of a morphed video.
Several celebrities have fallen victim to AI deepfakes
1. Rashmika Mandanna: A fake video was created by superimposing Rashmika’s face using AI; Delhi Police registered an FIR and arrested the accused in 2024.
2. Alia Bhatt: Alia’s face was superimposed using AI onto a video of another woman; the video went viral and sparked controversy.
3. Kajol: An objectionable video was created using AI by superimposing Kajol’s face; the case raised concerns over the misuse of deepfake technology.
4. Katrina Kaif: A picture from ‘Tiger 3’ was altered using AI/digital editing to make it objectionable; it sparked controversy on social media.
5. Aamir Khan: During the elections, an AI-generated video showed him making a fake political appeal; Mumbai Police registered an FIR following a complaint.
6. Ranveer Singh: The audio of a real interview was altered using AI to show him making a fake political statement; Maharashtra Cyber Police registered an FIR.
7. Sachin Tendulkar: An AI video showed him promoting a fake gaming app; Mumbai Cyber Police registered an FIR following a complaint.
8. Anil Kapoor: He approached the Delhi High Court against the unauthorised use of his name, image and voice through AI; the court barred unauthorised use.
9. Arijit Singh: His voice and identity were used on AI platforms; the Bombay High Court barred their use without permission.
