Unmasking Deception: Investigating the Rise and Impact of Deepfake Crimes in India
Deepika Raj *
Lucknow University, Lucknow, India.
Omendra kumar Yadav
Department of Social Work, Lucknow University, Lucknow, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
While the modernity of the Internet has some advantages, it also has disadvantages. On one hand, while the world has gained speed, danger has also emerged. One of these dangers is Deepfake technology, which is being used for crime by creating hyper-realistic synthetic images, videos or audio using artificial intelligence. Deepfakes are not only being used to spread misinformation but also to commit new cybercrimes. Currently, this technology is being used as a powerful tool for digital arrest, political manipulation and defamation.
This research explores the emergence and growth of deepfake crimes in Indian society. In India, where digital penetration is increasing rapidly, deepfake crimes present unique socio-political and ethical challenges. This study examines public awareness, perceptions and impacts of deepfake technology in India through a survey of 80 respondents from various demographics. The research explores the extent of awareness, encounters with deepfakes, opinions on their societal threats, awareness of legal protections, and attitudes towards detection tools and regulatory measures.
Keywords: Deepfake technology, synthetic media, digital crime, misinformation, AI Ethics, media manipulation, regulatory framework