Technology

Importance of Staying Alert to Deepfakes in the Global Election Year: Insights from Wipro’s Global Privacy Officer

New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) With over 60 countries, including India, heading into election mode this year, the need to stay alert to digital threats like deepfakes is crucial, says Ivana Bartoletti, Global Chief Privacy and AI Governance Officer at Wipro.

Deepfakes, created through generative AI, are a growing concern as they enable the fabrication of realistic audio and video content featuring individuals saying or doing things they never actually did, Bartoletti explained. The potential consequences extend beyond the digital realm to real-world violence.

In India, the government has updated its AI advisory, allowing big digital companies to launch AI models in the country without prior government approval. However, these companies are advised to label any under-tested or unreliable AI models to inform users of their potential fallibility.

The new MeitY advisory states that intermediaries and platforms must ensure that AI models do not facilitate the hosting, displaying, or sharing of unlawful content as outlined in the IT Rules. Digital platforms are required to comply with the new AI guidelines immediately.

According to Bartoletti, companies must invest in advanced detection technologies to identify and flag deepfake content and collaborate with experts to develop effective debunking methods. It is also essential to promote media literacy and critical thinking among the public to combat the risks of deepfakes and uphold the integrity of elections and the democratic process.

IANS

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