Pakistan-Linked Deepfakes Target Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Intelligence Agencies Say

Indian intelligence agencies have identified several deepfake videos circulating on the internet media that are claimed to be operated by Pakistan-linked handles. According to officials, the purpose of these videos is to damage the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and provoke him to agitate by spreading confusion and discontent among the students. Intelligence officials say that dozens of videos are falsely claiming that the central government is going to take strict action against the students who have recently agitated. According to the investigating agencies, these videos are being spread on the internet media platforms in a planned manner to create an atmosphere that the government is going to take harsh steps against the students. A senior officer of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) said that the main target of this campaign is Prime Minister Modi. He says that the purpose of the videos is to provoke the students to take to the streets again and direct their anger towards the Prime Minister. According to the officials, many such fake videos were earlier circulated to target the Indian Army, but in recent times, they are believed to be politically focused on Modi and to create instability in India.