Unmasking Deepfakes: The Ranveer Singh Incident and How to Stay Safe

Introduction

In the age of advanced technology, deepfakes have become a growing concern. These manipulated videos, created using artificial intelligence (AI), can convincingly mimic real people, leading to misinformation, scams, and potential harm. Recently, Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh found himself at the center of a deepfake controversy. Let’s delve into the details and explore ways to safeguard against such scams.

The Ranveer Singh Deepfake Incident

1. The Viral Video: A deepfake video surfaced online, allegedly featuring Ranveer Singh criticizing PM Modi’s government. In the manipulated clip, Singh voiced strong political opinions, including remarks on unemployment and inflation. The video concluded with a message encouraging people to vote for the Congress party¹.

2. Ranveer’s Response: Singh promptly filed an FIR with the Mumbai Cyber Crime Cell against the social media handle responsible for spreading the deepfake video. He denounced it as “a complete fabrication” and warned his followers about the dangers of deepfakes¹.

3. Authenticity vs. Manipulation: The original video was authentic—an interview given by Singh to news agency ANI during his visit to Varanasi. However, the audio was manipulated using AI-enabled tools to create the deepfake².

How Deepfakes Work

1. Generative AI Software: Scammers use generative AI software to record someone’s voice and create a cloned version. They find audio clips online (or from voicemails) and use these clones for various purposes.

2. Targets and Manipulation: Scammers research victims online, looking for personal information. They then choose a voice to clone, often from social media videos. The goal is to impersonate a loved one or a trusted figure.

3. Common Scams: Deepfakes are used in various scams:

   • Fake Kidnapping Calls: Scammers claim a family member is in trouble and urgently needs money.
   • Imposter Scams: Scammers impersonate celebrities or political figures to endorse products or solicit donations.
   • Virtual Kidnapping: Scammers create panic by pretending a loved one is kidnapped³.

Protecting Yourself from Deepfakes

1. Be Skeptical: Don’t automatically trust unexpected calls or messages. Verify the identity of the caller.

2. Avoid Unknown Numbers: Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. If it’s important, they’ll leave a voicemail.

3. Never Share Personal Information: Don’t give out sensitive details over the phone. Verify requests independently.

4. Confirm Emergencies: If someone claims to be in distress, reach out to them directly before sending money.

5. Multi-Factor Authentication: Use it to prevent scammers from hacking your accounts.

6. Train Employees: Educate employees about deepfakes, especially those handling finances or assets.

7. Stay Informed: Research online to verify claims made in calls or messages.

Conclusion

Deepfakes pose a real threat, but awareness and caution can help us stay safe. Ranveer Singh’s swift response highlights the importance of vigilance in the digital age. Remember: "Beware of deepfakes, friends."⁴

Stay informed, verify, and protect yourself from the ever-evolving world of AI-driven scams. Together, we can outsmart the fraudsters and safeguard our digital lives.