The efforts of Social Media Platforms to Counter Deepfake

Introduction

National AVGC-XR stands for National Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality. On 21 Aug 2024 Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Speaking at the 5th Global AVGC and Immersive Media Summit 2024,  announced that the National AVGC-XR Policy will be implemented soon. National AVGC-XR policy aims to facilitate investment, foster innovation, ensure skill development, protect intellectual property and help build world-class infrastructure. Additionally, Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of Ministry of Skills and Entrepreneurship, said that the Centre's decision to revamp 1,000 ITIs is pivotal in aligning workforce skills with AVGC industry needs. He called for enhanced intellectual property rights to retain talent and content in India.

Key Highlights of National AVGC-XR Policy 

• The policy will be implemented in conjunction with the National AVGC-XR Mission to improve India's AVGC sectors through infrastructure development, skill enhancement, innovation, and regulatory support.
• The policy aims to improve India's international competitiveness in the AVGC industry, specifically by supporting the creation of unique intellectual properties (IPs) that can gain worldwide acclaim.
• The policy acknowledges the significance of adapting and converting content for various international viewers, which has become easier considering technological advancements.
• The government is dedicated to providing strong policies and financial backing to the AVGC industry, ensuring that India continues to be a worldwide leader in the sector.

Tech-driven trends in the AVGC-XR Sector promoting exponential growth

• Advancements in technology specifically when we talk about the Animation and VFX industry, emerging trends such as AR, VR, and real-time 3D technology, are driving the expansion of the metaverse, resulting in a rising need for fresh jobs and broadening uses beyond gaming into education, e-commerce, and entertainment. Moreover, the transition to cloud-oriented production processes and the increase in unique or original content on OTT platforms are improving cooperation and propelling industry growth. To drive expansion, global OTT leaders are commissioning more original content. This has increased the need for VFX, post-production, and animation services.
• Technological advancements in India's gaming industry, like cloud gaming, increased popularity of mobile gaming, the introduction of 5G and 6G, and recognition of e-gaming at national and international forums, are breaking down obstacles and fueling swift growth, positioning India as a key player in growing e-gaming sector worldwide. Furthermore, the integration of gamification and XR in education and training is generating immersive experiences that improve learning and skill building, contributing to the expansion of the AVGC-XR industry.
• The comics industry is being transformed by technological advancements like digital technology and self-publishing, which are increasing access and distribution through online platforms and social media. The rising popularity of graphic novels and the greater use of digital comics, particularly among young audiences with smartphones, are fueling substantial growth in the AVGC-XR industry.
• The use of AR, VR, and MR (Mixed Reality) technologies is rapidly growing due to tech-driven trends in Extended Reality (XR), transforming industries such as healthcare, education, and retail. The rising number of startups in this sector, boosted by higher venture capital funding, is speeding up the uptake of XR services, establishing it as a primary catalyst of innovation and expansion in various industries.

Final Words:

Just like the IT revolution, the Indian AVGC-XR industry along with technological trends and advancements has great potential. With the growth in various sectors within the AVGC industry, the right policy framework in place and government support, it will be forefront of India’s global standing in the AVGC sectoral growth including various Intellectual Property (IP), creations, and outsourcing services. The proposed AVGC-XR policy with a forward-thinking approach will drive the industry growth. Thus, a comprehensive integrated and collaborative approach is essential. Furthermore with rising trends in technological space including the use of AR, VR, cloud spaces, 6G and expansion of the OTT sector, the safe and secure use in terms of cybersecurity is encouraged to ultimately protect the interest of users and establish a safe secure cyber world driven by exponential growth in various sectors including AVGC. We’re at the cusp of a new era, where we’re looking at technological advancements not as a tool but as a way of life, hence safe and secure usage remains a top priority.

References: 

1. https://www.cii.in/PressreleasesDetail.aspx?enc=IkIXRoaDhS+jXtgjqb7UcbWSnaI7mgIS485nHsQEMbw
2. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/avgc-xr-policy-to-be-implemented-in-tandem-with-national-avgc-xr-mission-ib-secretary/article68550433.ece#:~:text=Speaking%20at%20the%20Fifth%20Global,competitiveness%20by%20fostering%20infrastructure%20development%2C
3. https://mib.gov.in/sites/default/files/Annexure%20C-AVGC-XR%20-%20Draft%20for%20National%20Policy_16th%20December%202022-AG%20EDIT.pdf
4. https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/potential-of-india-s-avgc-xr-sector

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Introduction

Misinformation is, to its basic meaning, incorrect or misleading information, it may or may not include specific malicious intent and includes inaccurate, incomplete, misleading, or false information and selective or half-truths. The main challenges in dealing with misinformation are defining and distinguishing misinformation from legitimate content. This complexity arises due to the rapid evolution and propagation which information undergoes on the digital platforms. Additionally, balancing the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression with content regulation by state actors poses a significant challenge. It requires careful consideration to avoid censorship while effectively combating harmful misinformation. 

Acknowledging the severe consequences of misinformation and the critical need to combat misinformation, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 has implemented key measures to address misinformation in India. These new provisions introduced under the new criminal laws in India penalise the deliberate creation, distribution, or publication of inaccurate information. Previously missing from the IPC, these sections offer an additional legal resource to counter the proliferation of falsehoods, complementing existing laws targeting the same issue.

Section 353 of the BNS on Statements Conducing to Public Mischief criminalises making, publishing, or circulating statements, false information, rumours, or reports, including through electronic means, with the intent or likelihood of causing various harmful outcomes. 

This section thus brings misinformation into its ambit, since misinformation has been traditionally used to induce public fear or alarm that may lead to offences against the State or public tranquillity or inciting one class or community to commit offences against another. The section also penalizes the promotion of enmity, hatred, or ill will among different religious, racial, linguistic, or regional groups. 

BNS also prescribes punishment of imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both for offences under section 353. Interestingly, a longer imprisonment of up to 5 years along with a fine has been prescribed to curb such offences in places of worship or during religious ceremonies. The only exception that may be availed under this section is granted to unsuspecting individuals who, believing the misinformation to be true, spread misinformation without any ill intent. However, this exception may not be as effective in curbing misinformation, since at the outset, the offence is hard to trace and has multiple pockets for individuals to seek protection without any mechanism to verify their intent.

The BNS also aims to regulate misinformation through Section 197(1)(d) on Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration. Under this provision, anyone who makes or publishes false or misleading information, whether it is in the form of spoken words, written, by signs, in visible representations, or through electronic communication, therefore, results in jeopardising the sovereignty, unity, integrity, or security of India is liable to face punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both and if it occurs in a place of worship or during religious ceremonies, the quantum of punishment is increased to imprisonment for up to five years and may include a fine. Additionally, Section 212 (a) & (b) provides against furnishing false information. If a person who is legally obligated to provide information to a public servant, knowingly or reasonably believes that the information is false, and still furnishes it, they now face a punishment of six months imprisonment or a fine up to five thousand rupees or both. However,  if the false information pertains to the commission or prevention of an offence, or the apprehension of an offender, the punishment increases to imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.

Enforcement Mechanisms: CyberPeace Policy Wing Outlook

To ensure the effective enforcement of these provisions, coordination between the key stakeholders, i.e., the law enforcement agencies, digital platforms, and judicial oversight is essential. Law enforcement agencies must utilize technology such as data analytics and digital forensics for tracking and identifying the origins of false information. This technological capability is crucial for pinpointing the sources and preventing the further spread of misinformation. Simultaneously, digital platforms associated with misinformation content are required to implement robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms to detect and address the generated misleading content proactively. A supporting oversight by judicial bodies plays a critical role in ensuring that enforcement actions are conducted fairly and in line with legal standards. It helps maintain a balance between addressing misinformation and upholding fundamental rights such as freedom of speech. The success of the BNS in addressing these challenges will depend on the effective integration of these mechanisms and ongoing adaptation to the evolving digital landscape.

Resources:

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/250883_english_01042024.pdf 
• https://www.foxmandal.in/changes-brought-forth-by-the-bharatiya-nyaya-sanhita-2023/ 
• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/spreading-fake-news-could-land-people-in-jail-for-three-years-under-new-bharatiya-nyaya-sanhita-bill/articleshow/102669105.cms?from=mdr 

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Executive Summary:

An alleged video is making the rounds on the internet featuring Ranveer Singh criticizing the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Government. But after examining the video closely it revealed that it has been tampered with to change the audio. In fact, the original videos posted by different media outlets actually show Ranveer Singh praising Varanasi, professing his love for Lord Shiva, and acknowledging Modiji’s role in enhancing the cultural charms and infrastructural development of the city. Differences in lip synchronization and the fact that the original video has no sign of criticizing PM Modi show that the video has been potentially manipulated in order to spread misinformation.

Claims:

The Viral Video of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Fact Check:

Upon receiving the Video we divided the video into keyframes and reverse-searched one of the images, we landed on another video of Ranveer Singh with lookalike appearance,  posted by an Instagram account named, “The Indian Opinion News''. In the video Ranveer Singh talks about his experience of visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple with Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon. When we watched the Full video we found no indication of criticizing PM Modi.

Taking a cue from this we did some keyword search to find the full video of the interview. We found many videos uploaded by media outlets but none of the videos indicates criticizing PM Modi as claimed in the viral video.

Ranveer Singh shared his thoughts about how he feels about Lord Shiva, his opinions on the city and the efforts undertaken by the Prime Minister Modi to keep history and heritage of Varanasi alive as well as the city's ongoing development projects. The discrepancy in the viral video clip is clearly seen when we look at it closely. The lips are not in synchronization with the words which we can hear. It is clearly seen in the original video that the lips are in perfect synchronization with the words of audio. Upon lack of evidence to the claim made and discrepancies in the video prove that the video was edited to misrepresent the original interview of Bollywood Actor Ranveer Singh. Hence, the claim made is misleading and false.

Conclusion:

The video that claims Ranveer Singh criticizing PM Narendra Modi is not genuine. Further investigation shows that it has been edited by changing the audio. The original footage actually shows Singh speaking positively about Varanasi and Modi's work. Differences in lip-syncing and upon lack of evidence highlight the danger of misinformation created by simple editing. Ultimately, the claim made is false and misleading.

• Claim: A viral featuring Ranveer Singh criticizing the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Government. 
• Claimed on: X (formerly known as Twitter)
• Fact Check: Fake & Misleading

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