Chiranjeevi Files Police Complaint Over Deepfake Porn: “Mental Health Affected”
In a disturbing case highlighting AI misuse, Telugu cinema icon Chiranjeevi (68) has lodged a cybercrime complaint after discovering deepfake pornography featuring his likeness. The veteran actor, with a 40-year career, revealed the fake explicit videos caused “severe mental distress” and reputational harm, reigniting debates about India’s urgent need for deepfake regulations.
Deepfake Porn Crisis: Celebrities Under Attack
AI-generated deepfakes—which superimpose faces onto pornographic content—have increasingly targeted celebrities. While women disproportionately face this abuse, Chiranjeevi’s case exposes how male stars are equally vulnerable. His Hyderabad cybercrime complaint alleges morphed videos circulate on adult sites and social media, causing “emotional trauma.”
“This violates my privacy and deliberately smears my life’s work,” Chiranjeevi stated, demanding action against perpetrators.
Legal Gaps and Psychological Trauma
Weak Cyber Laws
India lacks dedicated deepfake laws, though offenders can face charges under IT Act Sections 66E (privacy violation) and 67A (explicit content). Cyber lawyer Priya Reddy notes: “Current laws can’t handle AI’s scale—victims suffer silently due to stigma.”
Mental Health Fallout
Clinical psychologist Dr. Anjali Rao warns deepfake victims risk:
– Anxiety and depression
– Suicidal thoughts due to helplessness
– Career damage from viral falsehoods
Industry Backlash and Global Comparisons
Telugu film figures like Mahesh Babu condemned the abuse (“Disgusting—we stand with Chiranjeevi”), while the Producers’ Guild urged tech collaborations to block deepfakes. Unlike the U.S. and U.K., India has no deepfake-specific penalties, prompting calls for:
– Faster content takedowns
– Platform accountability
– Public awareness campaigns
Self-Protection Tips Against Deepfakes
- Google Alerts: Track unauthorized image/video use.
- Report Immediately: Flag content to platforms/police.
- Watermark Media: Deter manipulation of public figures’ photos.
The Path Forward
Chiranjeevi’s case underscores India’s lag in combating AI abuse. With technology outpacing laws, experts stress updating legal frameworks and tech safeguards. The actor’s fight may empower future victims to seek justice.
How should India tackle deepfake threats? Share your views below.
— NextMinuteNews
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