Piyush Goyal Claims AI-Generated Deepfake Misrepresented His Remarks, FIR Filed

Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, on Saturday alleged that an AI-generated deepfake video had manipulated his comments made to reporters outside Parliament. Calling it a deliberate attempt to spread false information, he confirmed that a police complaint had been filed and an FIR was registered at Chanakyapuri Police Station at 4:35 am on July 25.

Sharing the update on X, Goyal said his original remarks had been "maliciously doctored" using artificial intelligence before being circulated online. He warned that authorities would pursue strict legal action against anyone involved in creating, sharing, or promoting the fabricated video. "The irresponsible misuse of artificial intelligence to mislead the public cannot and will not be tolerated," Goyal said, urging citizens to rely only on verified and authentic sources of information. He also expressed confidence that India's digitally aware public, particularly young people, would not be misled by such content.

A day earlier, the government had dismissed as fake a viral social media video claiming that Goyal had made threatening comments about students protesting in Delhi, clarifying that the clip had been manipulated. Goyal announced on Friday that social activist Sonam Wangchuk had ended his fast after receiving assurances from the government regarding students' concerns. According to the minister, BJP National President JP Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh met Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram and conveyed the government's commitment to addressing the issues raised.

In a post on X, Goyal said Wangchuk's decision to end his fast reflected his confidence in the Narendra Modi-led government's dedication to protecting students' interests. He reiterated that the government remained committed to strengthening examination reforms, cracking down on paper leaks, and safeguarding the future of the country's youth.