By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS
In a society driven by online content, always question what you see, for the “reality” of the digital age may be no more than a well-crafted illusion.
The line between reality and illusion is growing increasingly thin.
Today’s actors face a new type of threat—not a Hollywood antagonist or Bollywood villain but rather a synthetic version of themselves, meticulously crafted by artificial intelligence (AI)-powered deepfake technology.
With talent agencies and cybersecurity experts on high alert, the entertainment industry finds itself on the frontline of a battle against digital doppelgängers that can damage reputations, deceive audiences, and amplify misinformation.
From Hollywood to Bollywood, the rise of deepfakes has turned the lives of global stars into a cyber battleground. These manipulated visuals are strikingly real, capable of mimicking even the subtlest nuances, from Tom Cruise’s iconic smirk to Alia Bhatt’s charm. The technology has evolved to a point where it’s no longer just a playful distortion—it’s a powerful tool, used for both deception and defamation.
Tom Cruise: The Weapon of Misinformation
Image Source: Wikipedia
In a peculiar case with geopolitical implications, Russian actors reportedly created a deepfake Tom Cruise to voice a documentary criticizing the 2024 Paris Olympics. Microsoft revealed that Russia-linked groups are engaged in a “malign influence campaign” using AI-powered versions of recognizable figures. The fake Cruise video, shared widely on Telegram, employs synthetic audio to criticize the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and French government in a campaign that subtly but strategically casts a shadow over the event.
This unsettling example shows the potential of deepfake technology to shape public opinion, demonstrating that actors like Cruise can unwittingly become tools in international disinformation campaigns, all without ever stepping in front of a camera.
Keanu Reeves: The Unreal Popularity of Fake Personas
Image Source: www.britannica.com
Beloved for his down-to-earth persona, Keanu Reeves has become a prime target for deepfake creators. The “@unreal_keanu” account on TikTok has amassed millions of followers with videos showing a “Keanu” that never quite speaks but looks uncannily real. While the account states it’s a parody, many fans are still convinced they’re watching the real Reeves as he shares relatable moments.
The platform may label the account clearly, but the emotional connection audiences have with Reeves makes them eager to believe. This example sheds light on how fans’ desires for accessibility and relatability can make even cautious viewers vulnerable to deepfakes, as they willingly suspend disbelief to stay close to their favorite stars.
Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh: Bollywood’s New Reality of Deepfakes
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Bollywood stars are not immune to this digital impersonation crisis. In May 2024, Alia Bhatt became the face—literally—of a video she never made. A recent deepfake featured her face on another actress’s body, marking the second time Alia had been targeted in less than a year. Her situation reveals a disturbing trend where stars can lose control over their likeness, creating a pervasive risk to their brand and public image.
Meanwhile, actor Ranveer Singh took to Instagram to warn his followers, after a deepfake video altered his original praise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi into a criticism of India’s leadership. The AI-powered alteration transformed a positive statement into political commentary, a particularly dangerous twist in a time when celebrity voices hold significant influence. Ranveer’s warning, “Deepfake se bacho doston” (Friends, beware of deepfakes), resonated widely, underscoring the risks of manipulated media in an era of quick-shared, viral content.
Rashmika Mandanna: A Call to Action
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Rashmika Mandanna, one of India’s most beloved actresses, found herself a victim of a subtle yet unsettling deepfake last year, where an AI-generated video portrayed her walking into a public elevator. The video raised alarm as it deceived audiences and underscored the invasive nature of these digital fabrications. In response, Rashmika has been appointed as the national brand ambassador for the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), signaling her commitment to combatting cyber threats and bringing awareness to a problem increasingly plaguing the entertainment industry.
Her advocacy not only highlights the issue within Bollywood but also stresses the global necessity of cybersecurity measures. As public figures like Rashmika take a stand, they raise awareness of the potential harm from deepfakes that extend beyond celebrities to everyday individuals.
Deepfake Technology: A Double-Edged Sword
The ease with which anyone can now create realistic videos has made deepfakes a common tool in the arsenal of cybercriminals, misinformation peddlers, and pranksters alike. The technology’s capacity to replicate voices and facial expressions down to the smallest detail raises profound ethical and legal questions.
Beyond personal impact, deepfakes have significant potential to erode public trust. As audiences grapple with discerning reality from fiction, the spread of manipulated content can destabilize societal trust in media, politics, and even personal relationships. As in the case of Tom Cruise’s deepfake narration or Keanu Reeves’ ‘unreal’ presence on TikTok, these digital impersonations are already shaping public perception on a global scale.
Protecting the Image and Legacy of Public Figures
To combat this rising digital threat, talent agencies, tech companies, and governments are doubling down on protective measures. Machine learning algorithms are being deployed to detect synthetic media, and public awareness campaigns aim to educate people on identifying signs of deepfakes. Despite these efforts, the technology’s rapid evolution means defense measures must be constantly updated to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated deepfake capabilities.
The Union Home Ministry’s Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) in India has been pivotal in bringing awareness to the challenges of AI-driven threats, especially as India’s Bollywood icons become some of the most targeted figures. Actors like Rashmika Mandanna, now part of these initiatives, are voicing concerns that echo across borders, reminding everyone of the importance of caution and vigilance.
The world of deepfake AI is no longer just an intriguing development—it’s a complex landscape of ethical dilemmas, cybersecurity challenges, and cultural implications. As these digital facsimiles continue to evolve, the entertainment industry, alongside governments and tech firms, faces a growing challenge in safeguarding the reputations The takeaway? In a society driven by online content, always question what you see, for the “reality” of the digital age may be no more than a well-crafted illusion.