In a concerning turn of events, the Gurugram Police has taken action after a fabricated video, known as a “deepfake,” surfaced on social media. The video in question depicts Dr. Naresh Trehan, the esteemed chairperson and managing director of Medanta Hospitals, purportedly endorsing a weight-loss drug. This misleading video has prompted authorities to take legal action against those responsible.
FIR Filed Against Unknown Persons
The deepfake video, cleverly engineered using artificial intelligence, portrays Dr. Naresh Trehan participating in a television program where he recommends a specific anti-obesity medication. However, the authenticity of the video is highly questionable, as Dr. Trehan has not endorsed such a product. This misrepresentation has serious implications, particularly concerning the reputation of Dr. Trehan and Medanta Hospitals.
Concerns Raised by Medanta Hospital
Following the video’s virality, Medanta Hospital’s assistant vice president (marketing), Harish Aswani, filed a complaint. He stated that the fabricated video contained misleading information about medical treatment and damaged the reputation of Dr. Trehan and the hospital.
Aswani emphasized the potential for public confusion: “This video can create unnecessary doubt and fear among patients who depend on accurate information for their healthcare decisions.”
Understanding Deepfakes
Deepfake technology utilizes AI algorithms to manipulate images or videos, enabling individuals to impersonate others convincingly. This advanced form of digital deception allows perpetrators to create content featuring individuals saying or doing things that never occurred in reality.
Investigation Underway
The Gurugram police have initiated an investigation based on the complaint. The FIR includes sections 419 (cheating by impersonation) and 420 (cheating) of the IPC.
