Rajya Sabha Congress member Akhilesh Prasad Singh on Wednesday raised serious concerns over the growing misuse of deepfakes and artificial intelligence (AI) in spreading misinformation and enabling cybercrime, urging the government to amend existing laws to tackle emerging digital threats. Speaking during Zero Hour in the Upper House, the Bihar-based MP warned that the unchecked use of AI technologies poses a grave risk to citizens, democratic institutions, and public trust.
Entire World in Danger
“Today, the entire world is in grave danger of the misuse of deepfake and artificial intelligence,” Singh said according to PTI. He noted that such technologies are being used to spread false information, impersonate individuals, influence public opinion, harass citizens, and weaken public confidence in democratic systems.
According to Singh, deepfake tools/ or synthetic media capable of generating realistic audio, video and images —that realistically manipulate a person`s likeness to make them appear to say or do things they never actually did have created unprecedented challenges for administrative, legal and governance frameworks.
Highlighting the dangers, Singh said AI-driven manipulation threatens political identity, facilitates fraud and torture, and spreads large-scale misinformation. “The use of deepfakes on a global scale, the rapid theft of political identity, fraud, and the creation of social illusion is increasing rapidly,” he told the House.
He added that the speed at which AI spreads false narratives makes it difficult for authorities to respond effectively. Though the technology has proved to have legitimate applications in entertainment, education and art, its rapid expansion in widespread misuse, particularly in harassment, fraud and political misinformation be it in India or globally cannot be ignored.
Global Examples of Deepfake Misuse
Citing international incidents, Singh referred to a European Commission report that estimates over 90 percent of online content used in cybercrime will be based on deepfakes.
He pointed out that during Slovakia’s 2023 presidential election, AI-generated fake audio in a candidate’s voice was broadcasted just before voting, raising concerns over electoral integrity.
Singh also mentioned the 2024 US election, where voters were urged through deepfake technology not to vote for then-President Joe Biden, prompting a government investigation.
Similarly, Taiwan reported deepfake activities linked to foreign elements during its elections, he said.
“These events show that AI is very fast at spreading false information. Fraud is happening all over the world. Even in India, the old law needs to be changed,” Singh said according to PTI. Referring to the Indian context, Singh stressed the need for urgent legal reforms. He emphasized that without updated legal safeguards, citizens and institutions remain vulnerable to large-scale digital manipulation.
(With PTI inputs)
