Virat Kohli Falls Prey to Deepfake Scandal, Video Showing Him Promoting Betting App Goes Viral

Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli has become the latest victim of a deepfake video scandal, stirring widespread concern about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The fabricated video, which circulated on social media, depicted Kohli promoting a betting application, causing a stir among fans and authorities alike.

In the alarming video, not only was Kohli’s likeness convincingly replicated, but his voice was also mimicked with astonishing accuracy. The emergence of such sophisticated deepfake content underscores the grave implications of AI manipulation, raising serious concerns about misinformation and deceptive practices on digital platforms.

The incident follows a similar outcry involving cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who recently denounced a fake video portraying him endorsing a betting app. Both instances highlight the urgent need for stringent measures to combat the proliferation of deepfakes and safeguard the integrity of public figures.

Addressing the pressing issue, Tendulkar emphasized the importance of proactive measures by social media platforms to swiftly identify and address deepfake content. He stressed the vital role of technology reforms in raising awareness and preventing the dissemination of deceptive videos.

In response to the escalating threat posed by deepfakes, the Indian government is reportedly exploring regulatory interventions to hold creators and hosting platforms accountable. IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishaw underscored the gravity of the situation, labelling deepfakes as a significant threat to democracy that erodes public trust in institutions.

Proposed regulations aim to mitigate the risks associated with deepfake technology by implementing measures such as watermarking AI-generated content, enhancing detection capabilities, and addressing concerns related to data bias and privacy infringement. Collaborative efforts involving government stakeholders, social media platforms, and AI experts are underway to devise comprehensive strategies for combating the proliferation of deepfake content.