AMID the rampant rise of technological advances through cybercrime and deepfake videos, Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC) President and MLA Prof Varsha Gaikwad on Thursday raised the issue of women being targeted by using the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deepfake technologies and demanded concrete policies to protect women from being targeted in such a manner.
Gaikwad raised the issue during the question hour in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
Responding to Gaikwad’s question, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said a dynamic cyber security platform will be created to prevent cybercrime. “The platform will integrate banks, NBFCs and social media sites. Crimes such as thefts from bank accounts or posts that hurt religious sentiments would be tackled from this platform. As many as 17 companies from all over the world are involved in this project, for which a tender has been floated,” Fadnavis said. The force is slated to be ready by April-May 2024, he added.
“Miscreants are targeting women by using AI and deepfake technologies. Recent cases where videos of prominent actors, citizens, and even the Prime Minister are being morphed and circulated. They look identical and are difficult to decipher real from fake. Does the government have any plan in place to combat such crimes?” asked Gaikwad.
Gaikwad added that such technology is being used to manipulate and alter public opinion. She said, “Women are feeling more insecure. More of such technology will become more prevalent in the future. As a result, the crime rate in the segment will also increase. Hence, strategic plans need to be put in place to tackle the phenomenon.”