Indian's Modi Calls for Vigilance Against Deepfakes in Tech Talks with Bill Gates

INDIAN Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has emphasized the perils of deepfakes during a conversation with Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates. 

PM Modi stressed the importance of taking significant precautions when employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in today's technological landscape. 

In their candid exchange at his residence, PM Modi also underscored the necessity for establishing global guidelines for the responsible use of this technology. 

He emphasized the importance of initially incorporating watermarks on AI-generated content to inform users and prevent the spread of misinformation. 

"In a vast democratic country like India, the misuse of deepfake technology can have severe consequences. For instance, they may misuse my voice, initially deceiving people and causing widespread chaos. It's crucial to recognize that deepfake content is AI-generated and disclose its source," PM Modi remarked while addressing the deepfake issue. 

"These measures are truly crucial, especially in the nascent stages. We need to establish some Dos and don'ts. Moreover, one should engage AI within their field of expertise. Simply utilizing it out of convenience or overutilizing it is not the correct approach," he added. 

"Addressing the challenges posed by AI, I've observed that without proper training, there's a significant risk of misuse when such powerful technology is placed in unskilled hands. I've engaged with leading minds in AI, suggesting that we should begin with clear watermarks on AI-generated content to combat misinformation. This isn't to discredit AI creations but to acknowledge them for what they are," PM Modi stated. 

Discussing the significance of data security, the PM remarked, "Data security remains a paramount concern, and while India has a legal framework in place, I've taken initiatives such as storing all university certificates in the cloud to reduce costs and meet various requirements efficiently. Previously, there was a push for stringent compliance requirements. I advocated for simplification, proposing that data be uploaded to the cloud with shared IDs, enabling us to access necessary information directly. This approach underscores my commitment to leveraging technology not only to enhance services but also to significantly improve the ease of living for our citizens." 

For those unfamiliar, deepfake refers to a video in which a person's face or body has been digitally altered to make them appear as someone else, often used maliciously or to propagate false information.