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Writer's pictureIndian Cyber Squad

Comprehensive guide to handling a deepfaked video shared online:

Updated: Nov 27, 2023


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If your video has been deepfaked and shared online, it's crucial to take immediate action to protect your reputation and privacy. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to handle such a situation:

1. Gather Evidence:

The first step is to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim that the video is a deepfake. This includes:

  • Screenshots or copies: Take screenshots or save copies of the deepfaked video from all sources you can find. This could be social media platforms, video-sharing websites, or any other online location.

  • Metadata: If possible, gather metadata associated with the video, such as creation date, location, and any other relevant information.

  • Witnesses: If anyone can attest to the authenticity of the video or can подтвердить, that you are not the person depicted in the deepfake, gather their statements or contact information.

2. Report the Video to the Platform:

Most social media platforms and video-sharing websites have policies against deepfakes. Report the video to the platform's support team and provide them with the evidence you have gathered. Here are some specific links for reporting deepfakes on popular platforms:

3. File a Police Complaint:

Deepfaking is a form of cybercrime and can be prosecuted under various Indian laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2000. File a police complaint at the nearest police station and provide them with the details of the incident and the evidence you have gathered.

Reporting and Legal Options in India:

  1. Cyber Crime Cell: Report the incident to the nearest Cyber Crime Cell or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).

  2. Information Technology Act, 2000: Section 66A prohibits the publication of "false and fabricated" information. This applies to deepfakes that misrepresent reality.

  3. Indian Penal Code (IPC): Section 500 deals with defamation, which can be used to prosecute deepfakers.

  4. Copyright Act, 1957: Deepfakes can be considered a copyright violation due to the unauthorized use of someone's likeness.

  5. Civil Remedies: You can file a civil suit against the deepfaker for damages caused by the video.

4. Deleting Deepfaked Videos:

  1. Contact the Platform: Request the platform to remove the deepfaked video. Most platforms have policies against deepfakes and will take action upon receiving a valid complaint.

  2. Issue Copyright Takedown Notice: If the deepfake infringes on your copyright, you can issue a takedown notice under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) or the Indian Copyright Act.

  3. Contact Hosting Providers: If the deepfake is hosted on a third-party website, contact the website's hosting provider and request the video's removal.

  4. Seek Court Order: If all other methods fail, you can seek a court order to compel the removal of the deepfaked video.

Seek Legal Counsel:

Consult with a lawyer who specializes in cybercrime or defamation. They can advise you on your legal options and help you take appropriate action against the person who created or shared the deepfaked video.


5. Protect Your Online Presence:

Take steps to protect your online reputation. You can do this by:

  • Setting social media profiles to private: Limit the visibility of your social media profiles to reduce the spread of the deepfaked video.

  • Removing personal information from public websites: Request the removal of any personal information from public websites that could be used to associate you with the deepfake.

  • Contacting websites that have posted the deepfaked video: Reach out to websites that have shared the deepfaked video and request its removal. Explain that the video is a deepfake and provides links to evidence or police complaints.

6. Consider Seeking Emotional Support:

Deepfakes can be a traumatic experience, and it's important to seek emotional support from friends, family, or a therapist if needed. Discussing the situation with trusted individuals can help you cope with the emotional impact and make informed decisions.


Timeline:

The time it takes to remove a deepfake video from social media varies depending on the platform, the severity of the video, and the effectiveness of the reporting process. However, the Indian government has mandated that social media companies must remove deepfake videos within 36 hours of receiving a complaint.

Here is a breakdown of the removal timelines for some popular social media platforms:

  • Facebook: 24-48 hours

  • Instagram: 24-48 hours

  • Twitter: 24-72 hours

  • YouTube: 48-72 hours

  • TikTok: 24-48 hours

It is important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual removal time may be longer or shorter depending on the specific case.


Remember, prompt action is crucial in dealing with deepfaked videos. By gathering evidence, reporting to relevant authorities, and seeking legal counsel, you can protect your reputation, prevent further harm, and contribute to the fight against this emerging form of cybercrime.

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