The New Tool of Misinformation: Deepfake Tsunami on Social Media

Are fake videos on social media becoming a major threat to democracy and national security in India?

In today’s digital age, deepfake videos are rapidly emerging as a serious threat to India’s democratic structure and national security. What began as a novelty — humorous or experimental videos of celebrities — has now morphed into a dangerous tool of manipulation. The line between truth and fiction is getting blurred, and even the most alert citizens are falling prey to it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has warned the nation, calling this a grave threat to democracy and society.

🔍 Real Incidents, Fake Realities

A deepfake video of Dwarka, the deceased daughter of Tamil Tigers’ leader, was circulated showing her alive — a complete fabrication.
A manipulated video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah falsely portrayed him speaking against reservations for Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
These videos, though fake, reached millions and triggered emotional, political, and communal tensions.

📲 Propaganda in the AI Age

Gone are the days of door-to-door campaigns. Today, entire propaganda ecosystems operate online.
Deepfake videos are now being strategically used during elections to either glorify political figures or defame opponents.
Special digital cells called ‘Scratch Groups’, often targeting age groups of 18–25, are behind much of this distribution.

🔐 Messaging Apps Fueling the Spread

End-to-end encrypted platforms like WhatsApp make it harder to trace or stop these videos.
The lack of regulation, along with mass forwarding, allows fake content to reach deep into society, unchecked.

⚠️ A Parallel Crisis: Fake Headlines & Clickbait

Another alarming issue is the deliberate circulation of misleading videos with sensational titles that have no connection to the actual content.
These videos often:

Spread completely false news
Are designed just to generate clicks and likes
Sometimes even carry malicious intentions — influencing political opinions, spreading hate, or promoting a hidden agenda
Shockingly, some videos use adult or vulgar language in text format, escaping platform filters — targeting the youth and eroding social values silently.

🌍 What Other Nations Are Doing

Countries like the USA and the UK have begun tightening controls:
Banning deepfake political ads
Holding platforms accountable for manipulated content

🇮🇳 What India Has Done — And What More Is Needed

The Election Commission of India warned political parties in 2024: fake videos = legal action.
Launched the “Myth vs Reality” Register to debunk false content.
Ministry of Electronics and IT has ordered platforms to take strict action against fake content — with legal protection withdrawn for non-compliance.
But India still lacks a dedicated law on deepfakes, and the police and judiciary currently struggle to detect and respond quickly.
Cybercriminals use VPNs and fake accounts to hide their identity and escape consequences.

✅ The Way Forward: India Must Act Now

Incorporate AI and Deepfake crimes in law and define harsh punishments.
Develop detection tools and make digital watermarking mandatory in all videos.
Build privacy safeguards into all AI systems and enforce user consent frameworks.
Make social media platforms directly accountable for unethical content.
Train police, judiciary, and the public on identifying and reporting deepfakes.
Strengthen global cooperation to jointly fight the AI-enabled misinformation war.

🧠 Thought

Deepfakes and digital misinformation are not just online pranks — they threaten our democracy, manipulate public perception, and distort truth.
If not stopped now, we will lose control over the narrative that shapes our society.
India urgently needs strict laws, social media ethics enforcement, and citizen awareness.
Let’s not allow fake videos to destroy our future.

🇮🇳Jai Bharat, Vandematram 🇮🇳

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