Allegations of deepfake videos targeting a woman candidate have surfaced in Guwahati ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, raising concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence in political campaigns.
Kunki Chowdhury, the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate from Guwahati Central, has filed a complaint at the Cyber Police Station in Panbazar, accusing unidentified social media accounts of circulating manipulated content.
Kunki Chowdhury, an AJP candidate from Guwahati Central, has filed a complaint alleging that deepfake videos are being circulated online to defame her during the election campaign. The matter is under investigation by the Cyber Police in Guwahati.
Allegations of AI-Generated Content
In her complaint, Chowdhury stated that:
- Videos circulating online are fabricated using artificial intelligence
- The content is designed to misrepresent her and damage her reputation
- The timing of the circulation coincides with the ongoing election campaign
She described the videos as “completely fabricated” and intended to harm her public image.
Origin of the Videos
According to Chowdhury:
- The manipulated clips were created using a video she had posted on Instagram on April 2
- The original content was edited to produce misleading narratives
She alleged that the altered videos are being widely shared across social media platforms.
Family Also Affected
The complaint states that the controversy has extended beyond the candidate.
Chowdhury alleged that her mother, Sujata Gurung Chowdhury, has also been featured in the manipulated content, causing distress to the family.
Concerns Over Election Integrity
Calling the incident a serious issue, Chowdhury said the circulation of such videos could:
- Mislead voters
- Influence public perception
- Impact the fairness of the electoral process
She has sought action against those responsible for creating and sharing the content.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
As Guwahati Central emerges as a key battleground, the use of digital tools like AI in campaigns is becoming a major concern.
The incident highlights:
- Growing risks of misinformation in urban constituencies
- Need for stricter monitoring of online political content
- Importance of cyber enforcement during elections
What Happens Next
The Cyber Police in Guwahati are expected to investigate the complaint and identify those behind the alleged deepfake videos.
Further developments are likely as the inquiry progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the allegations made by Kunki Chowdhury?
She has alleged that AI-generated deepfake videos are being circulated to defame her during the election campaign.
2. Where was the complaint filed?
The complaint was filed at the Cyber Police Station in Panbazar, Guwahati.