Actor Anup Soni recently found himself at the center of controversy when a deep-fake video featuring his likeness began circulating online. The AI-generated clip falsely depicted him urging people to place bets on the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), using manipulated footage from the show he hosted, Crime Patrol. Soni has raised an alarm about the viral clip and has now reacted to being the latest target of AI-generated fake videos.
The deep-fake video, which has garnered 31 million views, features AI-generated audio mimicking Soni’s voice to promote illegal betting activities. Clips from Crime Patrol were spliced into the video to lend it credibility. Reacting to the fake video, Anup Soni expressed his shock and concern: “I was baffled to see 31 million views on a video which was promoting an illegal act, with my video and voice attached to it. I was shocked to hear my voice on a video I never made.”
The manipulated video, circulated primarily on Telegram, falsely portrays Soni promoting betting activities and referencing fictitious individuals and their supposed success in cricket predictions. “They have created my voice through AI. The content they have taken from another video. They haven’t taken the entire content but taken some lines and made it look the way it is,” Soni explained.
Upon discovering the video online, Soni immediately took action to counter the misinformation. He enlisted the help of friends to comment on the fake video, report it, and issue statements clarifying that the clip was fabricated. Additionally, he reported the video to cybercrime authorities.
Soni expressed deep concern over the potential influence of such videos on the public. “My fans might start following this betting person thinking that it is being promoted by me; it must be something legit. It is definitely scary. They have taken clippings from Crime Patrol, and they have modulated the voice and the way I speak while walking. It is matching with it completely. Definitely, it is threatening,” stated the Balika Vadhu actor.
Soni also highlighted the broader issue of actors being targeted due to their involvement in various paid promotions, which makes it easier for netizens to believe such fake videos. He referenced a similar incident involving actress Rashmika Mandanna, who was also the target of an AI-generated fake clip. At that time, legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan expressed his concern for Mandanna.
Through his prompt and proactive response, Anup Soni aims to raise awareness about the dangers of AI-generated fake videos and protect his fans from being misled by such deceptive content.