It is disconcerting to see an actor like Chiranjeevi become a victim of something as invasive as AI-generated fake videos. For years, celebrities have battled with morphed and obscene images circulating online. But now, with artificial intelligence making it easier to create “deepfakes,” the problem has grown into something far more dangerous.
Recently, Chiranjeevi registered a case with the cybercrime cell in Hyderabad after obscene AI-created videos of him began spreading on social media. According to reports it was his son, Ram Charan, who first took the step to file the complaint after discovering about the fake content.
Several Telugu stars are now also speaking up, revealing that fake pornographic videos of them are easily found online, even on regular websites. One actor even said bitterly, “Fake porn videos of all us stars is found on the darkweb and even on normal Internet sites. If your vulgar videos are not there, you are not a big enough star,” as quoted from an article via Rediff. It’s a tragic sign of how normalised this digital abuse has become.
Here basic human dignity comes into question. When technology is misused to exploit and humiliate people, it strips away their right to safety and respect. AI can do wonders when used responsibly, but in the wrong hands, it becomes a weapon. Chiranjeevi’s case is a loud reminder that the law — and society — must move faster to protect people from such abuse.
