new delhi: In a major crackdown on digital misinformation, Bihar police on Friday arrested a man from Muzaffarpur district for allegedly using artificial intelligence (AI) to create and distribute fake videos and audio clips featuring India's constitutional leaders.
The man, identified as Pramod Kumar Raj from Bochakha area, is accused of producing “deepfake” videos and audio clips imitating the voices and likenesses of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Drupadi Murmu.
According to a press release from Muzaffarpur's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), it received information on January 2 regarding the circulation of videos and audios edited using artificial intelligence technology on social media platforms.
The content is said to be intended to mislead the public and undermine the dignity, prestige and trust of the country's highest constitutional office.
Police said the purpose behind the AI-generated fake content appears to be to spread confusion among the general public, create distrust in democratic institutions, and disrupt social harmony and law and order. The authorities also noted that the possibility that such content could be used to spread anti-national sentiments, rumors and social unrest cannot be ruled out.
According to an official statement, Raj allegedly used AI tools to misuse the names, images and voices of the president and prime minister to edit fabricated content and share it on social media to maximize his reach.
District police stressed that the arrests were the result of a targeted operation by specialized units. During the investigation, law enforcement seized mobile devices allegedly used to manufacture and broadcast synthetic media.
A formal case has been registered against the suspect and a comprehensive investigation is currently underway to uncover the full scope of the network involved. Police are also verifying Raj's criminal history to ascertain whether he was involved in similar cyber-related crimes in the past.
This arrest serves as a stark warning against the misuse of generative AI technology to manipulate public perception or threaten national security.
