The advent of technology has brought with it a slew of innovative and creative tools. Unfortunately, it has also given rise to nefarious practices that exploit these very tools. The recent viral deepfake video of actor Rashmika Mandanna, which made headlines, is a glaring example of how technology can be misused. The original video, featuring a British-Indian influencer named Zara Patel, found itself at the center of this controversy. Here’s all you need to know about Zara Patel and her response to this unsettling incident.
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Zara Patel, a British-Indian influencer, boasts an impressive following of over 4.5 lakh on Instagram. Her content on the platform is characterized by its boldness, and she actively engages with her followers on a range of subjects. Patel, as per her Instagram bio, is not just an influencer but also a full-time Data Engineer and a mental health advocate. Her presence in the online world has been a blend of personal expression, professional insights, and a commitment to a larger societal cause.
On Monday, Zara Patel found herself unwittingly thrust into the spotlight due to the deepfake video incident involving Rashmika Mandanna. Deepfake technology is capable of superimposing one person’s likeness onto another’s, often to deceive or manipulate visual content. Patel took to her official Instagram account to express her deep distress and concern over this incident.
In a heartfelt message shared via her Instagram story, Patel made it clear that she had absolutely no involvement in the creation of the deepfake video. She stated, that it has come to her attention that someone created a deepfake video using her body and a popular Bollywood actress’s face. She had no involvement with the deepfake video, and is deeply disturbed and upset by what is happening. Patel’s anguish is palpable in her words, as her image was exploited without her consent, causing her significant distress.
But the repercussions of this incident go beyond Patel’s personal experience. She worries about the broader implications for women and girls who may now become even more apprehensive about sharing their presence on social media platforms. In a world where the line between reality and fiction can blur, Patel’s concerns about the safety of individuals on the internet are not unwarranted. She urged her followers and the public at large to exercise caution and fact-check what they encounter online, emphasizing that not everything on the internet is real.
Also Read: Twitter Calls For Strict Laws To Regulate AI Techology After Rashmika Mandanna’s Deepfake Video Goes Viral
But that’s not all twitter started shaming Zara Patel that she is equally responsible for this incident because it is her fault she was dressed in an indecent manner on a public domain. Zara Patel’s choice of attire or how she presents herself on social media does not justify or excuse the violation of her privacy and the misuse of her image. Victim-blaming is not the appropriate response to a situation where someone’s rights and consent have been violated.
The Zara Patel incident serves as a stark reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of technology and the need for responsible use and regulation.