Why it's so hard to tackle online disinformation in India
Apr 26, 2024
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Karen Rebelo, deputy editor at fact-checking organisation Boom Live, discusses the challenges of AI-driven misinformation in India, including fake videos of Bollywood actors endorsing political parties. The podcast explores the unique landscape of misinformation in India, highlighting the role of AI voice clones and the need for stricter regulations. Platforms like AX, YouTube, and WhatsApp are also scrutinized for their role in spreading false information.
AI-generated fake videos are increasingly common in India, posing challenges in detection and verification.
Major platforms like X, Facebook, and WhatsApp continue to be active sources for spreading misinformation despite efforts to combat it.
Deep dives
Rise of AI-Generated Fake Videos in India
AI-generated fake videos have become increasingly prevalent in India, with incidents involving top Bollywood actors like Amir Khan and Ranveer Singh filing police complaints over manipulated campaign videos circulating on social media. The country faces a substantial volume of misinformation, ranging from 'cheap fakes' to sophisticated AI-generated content. Over the past year, the shift towards AI-based misinformation has been notable, with instances of deepfakes and voice cloning targeting local audiences, especially during political events.
Challenges in Detecting AI Misinformation
The surge in AI-based misinformation poses significant challenges in detection and verification, as tools to identify deepfakes and cloned voices lag behind the sophistication of the technology. The use of AI voice clones extends beyond political contexts, with scams promoting various products and services. The level of realism achieved by AI voice cloning heightens the risk of misinformation spreading undetected, highlighting the limitations in current detection mechanisms.
Platform Responsibilities and Spread of Misinformation
Major platforms such as X, Facebook, and WhatsApp remain active sources for spreading misinformation despite measures taken to combat false information. Strategies like flagging misleading content have shown to slow down its dissemination, impacting its velocity. Implementing penalties for accounts sharing misinformation, especially verified ones, can deter the financial incentives driving misinformation creation. Addressing the role of platforms in regulating misinformation distribution is crucial to curbing its harmful effects.
Two actors have already filed cases over fake videos of them endorsing a party during the ongoing elections. Karen Rebelo, deputy editor at fact-checking organisation Boom Live, had decoded how misinformation has evolved over the years in India and why artificial intelligence tools will make it so much harder to detect misinformation.
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