In a recent interview with India Today, renowned actor Sunny Leone opened up about the rampant issue of deepfake videos and images that have plagued the lives of celebrities, including her own. Addressing the topic, Leone shed light on the psychological impact these manipulations can have on young girls who become victims of such malicious activities.
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Reflecting on her personal experience, Leone disclosed that she, too, had been a target of deepfakes for several years. Contrary to the belief that this is a recent problem, she emphasized that deepfakes have been an ongoing issue within the realm of celebrity culture. In a gesture of solidarity, she recalled actor Anushka Sen’s ordeal with morphed photos and derogatory comments, emphasizing that young girls should not shoulder the blame for such incidents.
“It’s not their fault. They did nothing wrong,” Leone asserted, encouraging affected individuals to seek assistance from cyber cells. Leone urged victims to approach law enforcement, providing details about the misuse of their identity and likeness. She reassured them that the police would take appropriate action and emphasized the availability of technical support on social media platforms for reporting such issues.
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Delving into the challenges associated with combatting deepfakes, Sunny Leone acknowledged the difficulty celebrities face in taking precautions. She attributed the vulnerability to the unpredictable mindset of those creating these malicious videos and images. Highlighting the prevalent use of artificial intelligence (AI), Leone expressed that everyone in the industry is grappling with how to navigate this evolving landscape. Speaking about the broader issue, Leone commented, “It’s a menace that’s been going on for a long time. It’s not a recent issue as many believe it to be.” Drawing attention to the misuse of technology, she emphasized the fear of celebrities regarding the potential misappropriation of their likeness.
The conversation surrounding deepfakes gained prominence last year when actor Rashmika Mandanna became a victim of a deepfake video. Mandanna, recognizing the severity of the situation, called for collective action, emphasizing the misuse of technology within the community. The incident underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the rising menace of deepfakes in the digital age.