While she is known for making fun, lighthearted reels on Instagram with her husband Riteish Deshmukh, certain videos involving her have sparked massive online discussions due to manipulation, out-of-context clips, or digital alterations.
The rise of fake videos featuring stars like Genelia D'Souza serves as a wake-up call for the digital age. It highlights the urgent need for comprehensive digital literacy and stronger global regulations. Supporting victims of deepfakes and holding perpetrators accountable is the only way to ensure that the internet remains a space for genuine connection rather than a tool for harassment.
This resurfaced ad is just one part of a much larger picture. Across the country, artificial intelligence is being weaponized to create realistic "deepfakes" that are nearly indistinguishable from authentic footage.
The Indian government has also issued strict advisories to social media intermediaries. Platforms are legally mandated to remove deepfake content within 24 to 36 hours of it being reported, or they risk losing their "safe harbor" immunity, making them legally liable for user-generated content. How Audiences Can Stop the Spread
As a responsible digital citizen, you are the first line of defense. To verify video authenticity, look for the that should now appear on all synthetic content distributed by major platforms. If you suspect a video is a deepfake, you can report it directly to the platform (like YouTube, Instagram, or X) as misleading or harassing content. For severe cases, such as deepfake pornography or identity theft for fraud, you should report it to your local cybercrime police or via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Popularity makes celebrities easy targets for creators looking for views or trying to create controversy, as discussed in reports about AI-generated images on social media .