Piyush Goyal files police complaint over AI deepfake, warns of strict legal action

New Delhi: Piyush Goyal has filed a police complaint over an AI-generated deepfake video that allegedly doctored his remarks outside Parliament, saying the manipulated clip was created to spread misinformation and warning that those responsible would face strict legal action.

In a post on X on Saturday, Goyal said the video had been “maliciously doctored” using artificial intelligence.

“My remarks to the media outside Parliament have been maliciously doctored using AI to create and circulate a deepfake video in an attempt to spread misinformation,” he wrote.

The minister said an FIR (No. 123/26) was registered at Chanakyapuri Police Station at 4:35 am on July 25, adding that action would be taken against everyone involved in creating, circulating or amplifying the video.

“Strict legal action will be taken against everyone involved in creating, circulating, or amplifying this fake video,” Goyal said.

He also urged the public to rely only on verified sources for information, adding that the “irresponsible misuse of artificial intelligence to mislead the public cannot and will not be tolerated”.

According to government sources, several social media links containing the manipulated video have since been removed.

The altered clip allegedly portrayed Goyal making threatening remarks against students participating in the ongoing nationwide protests over the NEET examination issue.

On Friday evening, the Press Information Bureau’s fact-check unit said Pakistani propaganda accounts were circulating an AI-generated deepfake falsely depicting the minister making inflammatory comments about protesting students.

The video surfaced amid demonstrations organised by the Cockroach Janata Party at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi over alleged irregularities in medical entrance and other competitive examinations, with students demanding reforms to the education system.

Authorities have repeatedly cautioned users against relying on unverified videos and social media posts as misinformation linked to the protests continues to circulate online.

With an FIR now registered and takedown efforts underway, the case adds to growing concerns over the use of AI-generated deepfakes to spread misinformation during politically sensitive events.