Sachin Tendulkar Disturbed By New Deepfake Video, Urges Swift Action

If you have come across the recent advertising for a gaming app on social media featuring legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, be warned, it is a deepfake.

The quality of the deepfake circulating on social media is so convincing that some people believe it is him doing the advertisement, reported News 18.

However, those views have been rubbished by Tendulkar himself, who has alerted people about the fake video misusing technology. He has requested everyone to report the videos, ads, and apps like these in large numbers.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Tendulkar wrote, "These videos are fake. It is disturbing to see rampant misuse of technology. Request everyone to report videos, ads & apps like these in large numbers."

The gaming app featured in the deepfake video is named Skyward Aviator Quest, where it appears that the legendary cricketer is being advertised, even advocating its ability to help people earn money.

This, especially when promoted by a prominent figure like Tendulkar, raises significant concerns about these games being advertised. The video is manipulated, not only utilizing his facial features but also employing technology to mimic his voice.

The spread of misinformation through social media, facilitated by deepfake videos, has emerged as a major global concern. Recently, several incidents in India have prompted the government to take strict action against the issue and regulate companies capable of monitoring such content pushed on social media platforms, reaching millions within seconds.

With the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI)-)-generated fake videos, a viral deepfake video featuring Bollywood actress Rashmika Mandanna highlighted the alarming potential for AI misuse, posing a threat not only to public personalities but also to general users.

Here's how one can check for deep fake videos:

• Always look for weird facial movements and expressions.
• Deepfakes may look unnatural due to awkward posture, body proportions, or movements.
• Carefully listen for audio that doesn't match the person's lips.
• Check if the video fits the person's usual behaviour.
• Verify the source for trustworthiness.
• Look for any strange blurring or distortions.