19 August 2024, Kathmandu

A 22-year-old man, Ramesh Bahadur Rawat from Bajura, has been arrested for creating deep fake videos of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) and Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol.

Young Man Arrested for Creating Deep Fake Videos

The arrest was made by the Cyber Bureau of the Nepal Police after the videos, which were manipulated using artificial intelligence, went viral on social media.

Rawat, a medical practitioner from Sindhupalchok, was apprehended from his hometown. The controversial videos depicted Mayor Shah and Deputy Mayor Dangol in compromising situations, including one in which they appeared to be kissing. These AI-generated videos were created by editing footage from public events where the two leaders were present.

The incident drew significant attention after Deputy Mayor Dangol lodged a formal complaint with the Cyber Bureau, demanding legal action against those responsible for the defamatory content. The swift response from the authorities led to Rawat’s identification and arrest.

This is not the first time Rawat has been involved in such activities. According to police sources, he had previously created deep fake videos featuring other prominent figures, including Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Foreign Minister Arju Rana. One such video showed the main leaders of three major political parties dancing together, artificially created by Rawat.

The use of AI to manipulate videos has raised concerns about the potential misuse of technology, especially in spreading misinformation and damaging the reputations of public figures. The authorities have warned that such actions will be met with strict legal consequences.

Rawat is now facing charges under Nepal’s cybercrime laws, which could lead to severe penalties if he is found guilty. The case highlights the growing need for vigilance against the misuse of AI in creating fake content.

Young Man Arrested for Creating Deep Fake Videos