Virat Kohli's deepfake video promoting betting apps goes viral

Virat Kohli has become the latest 'deepfake' victim after a viral video of the former India skipper falsely showed him promoting a betting app. Recently, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar raised concerns after a fake video featuring the cricket legend was promoting a gaming app. In the aftermath of the incident, the Mumbai police registered a case against a gaming site and the Facebook page promoting the gaming app.

India's Virat Kohli during a practice session (PTI)

Days after Tendulkar batted against the deepfake video, AI-generated content carrying a digitally manipulated clip of Kohli was shared on social media. In the deepfake video, Kohli is falsely shown promoting the betting app. The deepfake video was shared to create the impression that the ace cricketer is backing the winning percentage of the online game. Deepfake technology was used to mimic Kohli’s gestures and voice from an old interview.

On Thursday, batting legend Tendulkar flagged a deepfake video on X, formerly known as Twitter. “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. Social Media platforms need to be alert and responsive to complaints. Swift action from their end is crucial to stopping the spread of misinformation and deepfakes,” Tendulkar wrote.