(This article is authored by Alar)

In a concerning turn of events, leading actress Rashmika Mandanna has become the target of a malicious deepfake video, a disturbing creation of artificial intelligence. The video, which morphed her face into a swimsuit video of an model, has sent shockwaves through the digital community, prompting a united outcry for urgent action and responsible technology usage.

Renowned actress Keerthy Suresh expressed her dismay, emphasizing the need for responsible technology usage. She shared her thoughts, saying, "The deep-fake video that’s going around is scary. I really wish the person who had done this could have rather used that time to do something productive and not put the people involved, into misery,"

"I don’t understand if technology for us today is a boon or a bane. Let’s use this platform widely to only spread love, positivity, awareness, and information and not nonsense. God save mankind  #UseTechResponsibly #SpreadLove." she added.

Earlier, actor Vijay Devarakonda, who worked with Rashmika in Geetha Govindham and Dear Comrade, also voiced against this viral issue on his social media profile, wrote “Extremely important steps for the future. This shouldn't happen to anyone. Also, an efficient accessible cyber wing for quick crackdowns and punishment will make people more secure."

Rashmika Mandanna herself addressed the issue in the first place, writing, "I feel really hurt to share this and have to talk about the deepfake video of me being spread online. Something like this is honestly, extremely scary not only for me, but also for each one of us who today is vulnerable to so much harm because of how technology is being misused." Mandanna highlighted the urgent need for collective action to address this alarming trend, emphasizing the importance of community support.

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan also joined the cause, demanding robust legal action against these deceptive practices. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and trust of digital citizens, reminding social media platforms of their legal obligations under the IT rules enacted earlier this year.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by advancing technology and the urgent need for stringent measures to protect individuals from identity theft and cybercrimes. The Indian film industry and the digital community at large have united in their call for responsible technology usage and prompt legal action against perpetrators of such malicious acts.

The deep-fake video that’s going around is scary. I really wish the person who had done this could have rather used that time to do something productive and not put the people involved, into misery. I don’t understand if technology for us today is a boon or a bane. Let’s use this…

— Keerthy Suresh (@KeerthyOfficial) November 8, 2023