In an era where artificial intelligence blurs reality, celebrities are increasingly finding themselves as prime targets for malicious digital fabrications. The latest high-profile victim is none other than renowned lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar. A deepfake AI video portraying him in a false light is circulating widely on social media, prompting the veteran artist to declare stringent legal measures against its creators and propagators.
Javed Akhtar's Strong Condemnation and Legal Threat
Expressing his fury and disappointment on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Javed Akhtar addressed the issue head-on. The manipulated video shows him wearing a topi (cap) and making statements that directly contradict his publicly stated beliefs. Known for his atheist views, Akhtar is falsely depicted in the video as someone who has turned to God.
"A fake video is in circulation showing my fake computer-generated picture with a topi on my head, claiming that ultimately I have turned to God. It is rubbish," Akhtar wrote. He emphasized that he is seriously considering reporting the matter to the cyber police. His plan is to drag both the originator of this fake news and those who forward it to court for damaging his reputation and credibility.
Netizens Rally Behind Akhtar in Deepfake Battle
The lyricist's post quickly garnered significant attention online, with many users expressing solidarity and concern over the dangers of AI-generated misinformation. Supporters acknowledged the severity of the issue, calling such deepfakes "pure poison" and "disgraceful attempts to mislead people."
One user commented in support, stating, "Deepfakes like this are pure poison, thanks for calling it out and fighting back. Misinformation is the real evil here. Take legal action, you've got support." Another noted, "These malicious AI fakes are disgraceful attempts to mislead people and defame your lifelong commitment to reason and atheism. Legal action is the right step." Even those who admitted ideological differences with Akhtar agreed that such fabrications cannot be tolerated.
The Broader Threat of AI-Generated Fabrications
This incident involving Javed Akhtar is not an isolated one. It underscores a disturbing trend where public figures are made soft targets for AI-generated fake content aimed at spreading misinformation and tarnishing their public image. The technology, which can seamlessly create realistic but entirely false audio and video, poses a significant challenge to personal reputation and societal trust.
The case highlights the urgent need for robust legal frameworks and public awareness to combat the spread of digital forgeries. As AI tools become more accessible, the potential for their misuse in creating defamatory content increases, making it crucial for individuals and authorities to take a firm stand.
Javed Akhtar's decisive move to pursue legal action against the fake AI video sets a precedent. It signals that such violations of personal integrity will be challenged in the courts, potentially deterring future misuse of technology to create harmful deepfakes.
