Sections such as 66C (punishment for identity theft) and 66D (punishment for cheating by personation by using computer resource) can be invoked. Additionally, Section 67A deals with the punishment for publishing or transmitting material containing sexually explicit acts in electronic form.
Unlike in previous years, the speed at which these manipulated images circulate can cause immediate and lasting harm. Top Malayalam actresses—ranging from seasoned stars like Manju Warrier to emerging talents [5.4]—have become targets of such disinformation campaigns. malayalam actress fake images top
Under these regulations, social media platforms (like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube) are now legally obligated to remove flagged deepfake content within . If they fail to do so, they risk losing their "safe harbour" protections under Section 79 of the IT Act (which protects platforms from liability for third-party content). Furthermore, platforms must obtain a declaration from every user regarding the authenticity of content and implement a pre-publication labeling system for AI-generated or synthetically altered material. Sections such as 66C (punishment for identity theft)
She hired a lawyer. Letters were sent; takedown notices filed. Platforms removed content sporadically, only to have it reappears under new usernames. Every removal left a ghost—cached copies, screenshots, cropped stills—spreading in private groups where rules were looser and outrage louder. The emotional toll mounted: sleep fractured, lines rehearsed poorly, jokes that once came easy now landed hollow. Furthermore, platforms must obtain a declaration from every
Actress Shalu Menon, who faced manipulated videos in 2009, revealed that the controversy cost her many opportunities. "People did not accept them as such at that time," she said, "but with the growing awareness about deepfake technology, things slowly changed". For Menon, the damage was already done—her career never fully recovered.
The draft rules introduce the concept of "synthetically generated information"—defined as information that is "artificially or algorithmically created, generated, modified or altered using a computer resource, in a manner that such information reasonably appears to be authentic or true". This definition is deliberately broad, encompassing deepfakes, AI-generated images, and algorithmically modified content.
The creation and circulation of fake images of Malayalam actresses is a disturbing trend that must be stopped. It is essential to report fake images, raise awareness about the consequences of such activities, and take legal action against those found guilty. The dignity and privacy of celebrities must be respected, and the wider society must be protected from the harm caused by such activities. Let us work together to create a safer and more respectful online community.