Technology and Society

Choose the Correct Answer

Correct Answer : Option a

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Deep Fakes are digital media — video, audio, and images edited and manipulated using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Since they incorporate hyper-realistic digital falsification, they can potentially be used to damage reputations, fabricate evidence, and undermine trust in democratic institutions. This phenomenon has forayed into political messaging as well, a serious concern in the run-up to the general elections next year.

Statement 2 is correct: Deepfakes can harm individuals, businesses, society, and democracy, and can accelerate the already declining trust in the media. This loss of trust can promote a culture where facts are seen as relative, weakening democracy and civil society. Additionally, deepfakes can help undemocratic leaders spread lies, as any inconvenient truth can be dismissed as ‘fake news’.

Statement 3 is not correct: India lacks specific laws to address deepfakes and AI-related crimes, but provisions under a plethora of legislations could offer both civil and criminal relief. For instance, Section 66E of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) is applicable in cases of deepfake crimes that involve the capture, publication, or transmission of a person’s images in mass media thereby violating their privacy. Such an offence is punishable with up to three years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs. 2 lakh. Similarly, Section 66D of the IT Act punishes individuals who use communication devices or computer resources with malicious intent, leading to impersonation or cheating. An offence under this provision carries a penalty of up to three years imprisonment and/or a fine of Rs. 1 lakh. The existing laws are not really adequate given the fact that they were never sort of designed keeping in mind these emerging technologies.