Unmasking Synthetic Media: Exploring Deepfake Risks And Resilience Strategies In India’s Digital Ecosystem
- IJLLR Journal
- Jul 2
- 1 min read
Somesh Akolkar, Assistant Professor of Law, PES Modern Law College & PhD Research Centre, Ganeshkhind, Pune – 16.
Dr. Shivanjali Bhoite, Vice Principal, PES Modern Law College & PhD Research Centre, Ganeshkhind, Pune – 16.
ABSTRACT
The rapid proliferation of AI-generated synthetic media, particularly deepfakes, has transformed India’s digital landscape, with over 751.5 million internet users as of January 2024. This surge amplifies risks of misinformation, privacy violations, and psychological harm, exacerbating societal divisions in India’s diverse socio-political context, where digital literacy varies widely. Existing research primarily focuses on technical aspects of deepfakes, neglecting their psychological, social, and political impacts in India. The regulatory lag in addressing AI-driven manipulation leaves individuals vulnerable to financial fraud, emotional exploitation, and democratic erosion, necessitating a comprehensive study of these multifaceted risks. This study aims to investigate the implications of AI- generated synthetic media, with a focus on deepfakes, on privacy, mental health, societal trust, and democratic processes in India. Notable cases, such as deepfake frauds and celebrity impersonations, highlight gendered targeting and psychological harm, undermining trust in digital platforms. The study offers a strategic roadmap for policymakers, advocating interdisciplinary interventions that integrate robust legal frameworks, AI detection tools, and public awareness campaigns tailored to India’s socio- cultural context. It contributes to global AI ethics discourse by addressing India-specific challenges, emphasizing the need for adaptive regulations to safeguard digital integrity and democratic stability.
Keywords: synthetic media, misinformation, deepfakes, manipulation
