In the ever-evolving digital landscape, women find themselves disproportionately targeted by a surge in Deepfake technology, with over 90 per cent of these manipulated videos being explicitly pornographic. Coined in 2018 by a Reddit user dedicated to the creation and use of deep learning software for synthetically face-swapping female celebrities into pornographic videos, the term "deepfake" has since become synonymous with a growing crisis that transcends boundaries.
The challenges posed by deepfakes extend beyond, involving the dissemination of intimate content, face-swapping, and the creation of pornographic material without consent. Such acts, often driven by motives of revenge, not only impact individuals but also have significant ramifications in society. Famous personalities are not immune, facing the sharing of manipulated content with the intent to blackmail, humiliate, exploit, and demean them as acts of trolling.
The Deepfake Menace In India
India is grappling with a deepening crisis as deepfake incidents, particularly revenge porn and online exploitation, have witnessed a disturbing upswing. Tech experts reveal that the majority of these malicious creations specifically target women, exacerbating gender inequality. With an alarming 900 per cent increase in deepfake content between 2019 and 2020, the threat looms larger, prompting the government to consider regulations to curb the spread of deepfakes on social media platforms. Forecasts suggest that this trend will continue in the years to come – with some researchers predicting that as much as 90 per cent of online content may be synthetically generated by 2026.
The Human Toll: Young Women And Deepfake Vulnerability
Despite 8 in 10 urban Indian women embracing the internet for various activities, over 80 per cent grapple with harassment, abuse, and trolling. Shockingly, a majority of these victims were only 14 to 16 years old when they first experienced online sexual harassment. The plight extends to girls as young as eight, with one in five young women curtailing their social media usage due to abuse.
Legal Framework vs. Emerging Threats
While India does have some legal provisions, such as section 66E of the Information Technology Act, to combat online exploitation, the absence of specific laws against deepfakes remains a critical gap.
In November 2023, the Central Government issued an advisory to all leading social media platforms to remove any deepfake content reported by users within 36 hours, failing which they will lose 'safe harbour immunity' and be liable to criminal and judicial proceedings under the Indian laws.
Current laws may offer partial relief, but the urgent need for more comprehensive legislation becomes evident in the face of the rapidly evolving deepfake landscape.
Safeguarding Your Digital Identity: Practical Measures
As deepfake threats persist, individuals must take proactive steps to protect their digital identities. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations of these strategies and remain vigilant in the face of evolving deepfake technology.
Here are clear precautions to consider:
• Adjust privacy settings on social media accounts to limit visibility to trusted individuals only.
• Consider adding visible watermarks or overlays to images and videos as a deterrent.
• Conduct regular reverse image searches using tools like Google Images to identify unauthorized image usage.
• When sharing images or videos online, consider using lower resolutions or reducing quality to deter high-quality deepfake manipulations.
• Stay informed about the latest developments in deepfake technology and raise awareness among your contacts and colleagues.
• Exercise caution when connecting with new people online and avoid sharing personal information without trust verification.
• If encountering a deepfake using your image without consent or posing a threat, promptly report it to the hosting platform or website.
Challenges arise as the effectiveness of reporting depends on the responsiveness of hosting platforms, potentially leaving victims vulnerable during the removal process. Contact authorities immediately:
• File a complaint at the local police station in case of an emergency
• Contact the National Women Helpline – 181 or the Cyber Crime Helpline - 1930.
• Alternatively, you can file an online fraud complaint at https://cybercrime.gov.in
Navigating The Deepfake Terrain
As the world dashes towards a future where synthetic content may constitute a significant portion of online interactions, addressing the deepfake crisis requires a multifaceted approach. From robust legal frameworks to individual vigilance, the battle against deepfakes necessitates collective efforts to safeguard the digital well-being of individuals, especially women, who bear the brunt of this evolving threat.
*Source: Various statistics and information referenced from reports by tech experts, the World Economic Forum, and Amsterdam-based cybersecurity firm Deeptrace.