A disturbing new form of digital abuse has emerged: AI-driven deepfakes used to create non-consensual erotic content. A recent case in India highlights how a woman’s life was upended when her face was stolen and weaponized online.
📰 What Happened
An Indian woman, referred to as “A” to protect her identity, discovered that her face had been superimposed on pornographic videos. Unknown perpetrators had used her images—extracted from her social media—to generate explicit deepfake content. These videos were then shared in private and public channels, causing intense personal distress and distressingly public shaming.
📌 The Alarming Spread
- AI techniques were used to create lifelike videos where “A” appeared in sexual content she never participated in.
- The videos circulated widely across social media and private messaging platforms.
- The victim faced online harassment, defamation, and potential legal jeopardy due to the videos’ shocking realism.
⚠️ A Familiar Pattern: “Babydoll Archi” Case
Another case involved Indian influencer Archita Phukan (“Babydoll Archi”), whose ex-boyfriend used AI platforms to generate deepfake erotica. He amassed over ₹10 lakh (~$12,000 USD) in online revenue before being arrested by police. This underscores how easily perpetrators can profit from AI forgery.
🧩 Legal Gaps in India
- No dedicated deepfake law exists—only general statutes on defamation, identity theft, and obscenity under the IT Act and IPC.
- Law enforcement agencies issue cyber alerts and guidelines, but prosecution often relies on vague sections or outdated laws.
- Victims endure long legal processes to remove content and achieve justice, often with little clear recourse or accountability for perpetrators.
🌍 Global Deepfake Risks
Worldwide, deepfake pornography disproportionately targets women, LGBTQ+ individuals, activists, and public figures—used for humiliation, revenge, blackmail, or financial gain. India’s rapid social media adoption amplifies the risk, with cases of false sexualized content showing up on various digital platforms.
🚩 Why It Matters
- Psychological Trauma
Victims report anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal—sometimes even leaving homes to avoid social stigma. - Online Harassment Economy
Deepfake creators can profit from subscriptions, ads, or blackmail. - Legal Blind Spots
Enforcement is slow, definitions are vague, and evidence is hard to trace—making justice elusive. - Wider Misinformation Threat
These forged images contribute to mistrust and disinformation across political, social, and personal spheres.
🛠️ What’s Being Done—and What Should Happen
- Cybersecurity authorities have issued advisories urging caution and detection methods.
- The proposed Digital India Act aims to introduce deepfake-specific provisions.
- International models (such as the EU AI Act and UK Online Safety Act) provide frameworks for takedowns and criminal penalties.
- Emerging tools like deepfake detectors, watermarking systems, and content flagging mechanisms are being developed to support enforcement.
✅ What You Can Do
- Protect your data: Avoid sharing revealing photos or voice samples online.
- Use reporting tools on social platforms promptly.
- Seek legal help: File complaints under Sections 66D, 67 IPC or related provisions.
- Document everything: Screenshots, links, and timestamps are crucial for evidence.
- Raise awareness: Support public education to help others recognize and avoid these threats.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a deepfake?
A deepfake is AI-generated visual or audio content that realistically replaces someone’s face or voice to create false and misleading media.
Q: Is deepfake porn illegal in India?
There’s no specific law for deepfakes. However, existing laws on defamation, identity theft, obscenity, and cybercrime may apply.
Q: How common are these cases?
Though underreported, incidents are increasing. Cases involving influencers and private citizens alike show a growing trend.
Q: Can technology stop deepfakes?
AI detection tools and platform moderation are improving, but creation often outpaces detection. Watermarks, verified uploads, and stronger takedown mechanisms are essential.
Q: What can victims do?
Immediately report the content on platforms, file a police complaint, consult legal experts, and preserve all digital evidence. Emotional and legal support groups are also available.
🧭 Final Thoughts
The Indian case of deepfake deception is a wake-up call: AI misuse can devastate lives. It highlights the critical need for strong laws, better tech protections, and widespread public awareness.
Until comprehensive safeguards are in place, vigilance—both personal and societal—is our most powerful defense against this emerging threat.
Sources BBC
