Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have taken a major action in connection with the sharing of AI-generated morphed videos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Facebook and Instagram. Police have filed an FIR against Meta India head Arun Srinivas and several social media users.
It is alleged that videos were shared on social media that were created using artificial intelligence (AI) and shared in a misleading manner. Police are currently investigating the matter and trying to determine where these videos originated and how they were spread on social media. Furthermore, Noida Police have also registered a zero FIR against a woman for using abusive language against Prime Minister Modi.
What is the whole matter?
According to reports, this case is related to alleged AI-generated videos that went viral on social media following the recent student protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Investigating agencies believe these videos targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and spread misleading content on a large scale.
Police are currently investigating where these videos originated, how they were spread on social media, and whether Meta’s content moderation systems were adequate to prevent such content.
Under what sections is the investigation being conducted?
Investigating agencies are also looking into whether the alleged AI-generated videos violate provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology (IT) Act. They are also investigating the role of those who allegedly created, uploaded, or shared these videos on social media.
However, the police say that the investigation is still in its initial stages and no final conclusion has been drawn against any of the accused yet.
According
to reports, Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police summoned Meta representatives and sought information about the company’s processes through which AI-generated fake videos, scams, fake advertisements and other misleading content are identified and removed.
Meta officials reportedly briefed the investigating agencies on the company’s content moderation policy and compliance mechanism. However, Meta has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
Another case related to the Jantar Mantar protest:
Action has also been taken in another case related to the same protest. According to reports, a Zero FIR has been registered against a woman for allegedly making offensive remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the protest at Jantar Mantar on July 23rd.
The complaint was filed by a Ghaziabad resident. Based on it, the police have registered a case under sections 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 353(1) (statements conducing to public nuisance) and 356(1) (defamation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).