Karnataka is currently facing a rise in cybercrimes associated with deepfake technology, with the Karnataka Police having registered a total of 12 cases, seven in 2024 and five in 2025 as of February 28. This increase in cases has sparked concerns about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in the context of deepfake videos being used to deceive social media users.
In a notable incident from 2023, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy issued a public warning after encountering deepfake images and videos of himself. He emphasized the importance of vigilance and encouraged individuals to report such occurrences to the authorities. Additionally, in a separate case in Khanapur, Belagavi, a 22-year-old man was arrested for utilizing deepfake technology to produce and distribute altered images of a woman. The individual, an employee at a Bengaluru-based private firm, targeted the woman from Belagavi district due to her rejection of his advances. Setting up a fake digital profile under her name, he shared manipulated images online to tarnish her reputation.
A senior police official noted that while deepfake-related crimes have been reported in Karnataka, they remain relatively low in comparison to other forms of cybercrime. These cases often involve personal grudges or revenge, with victims typically having a strong suspicion about the perpetrator’s identity, facilitating the identification and apprehension process. Unlike complex financial fraud or large-scale hacking operations, the investigation of deepfake crimes does not necessitate extensive technical intervention or advanced tracking mechanisms. However, the challenge lies in raising awareness about the dangers posed by deepfakes and ensuring that victims promptly report such incidents for swift legal action.
The escalating trend in cybercrime cases in Karnataka over the past five years underscores the growing threat posed by digital fraud, hacking, and online deception. While there was a decline in cases in 2021, with 8,363 reported incidents, the numbers spiked to 12,885 in 2022. The most significant surge occurred in 2023, nearly doubling the cases to 22,224, and this trend persisted in 2024, with 22,415 cases recorded. As of February 20, 2025, Karnataka had already documented 2,251 cybercrime cases.
To combat cybercrimes effectively, the Karnataka government has developed a Cyber Investigation Manual, distributed to all police stations in the state. This manual aims to provide guidelines for investigating cybercrimes and raising public awareness to prevent such offenses. The establishment of the Centre for Cybercrime Investigation Training & Research (CCITR) and ongoing training of police personnel in handling cybercrime cases signal the government’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity measures. Despite Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s announcement of a ₹5 crore grant to strengthen the Cyber Crime Division in the recent budget, Major Vineet Kumar of CyberPeace, emphasized the need for a more substantial allocation of around ₹50 crore. Kumar suggested focusing on research, innovation, and fostering collaboration with academic institutions and NGOs to bolster the police’s capabilities in tackling complex cybercrimes efficiently.
In conclusion, as the threat of cybercrimes continues to evolve, particularly with the emergence of deepfake technology, it is crucial for authorities to remain vigilant, enhance cybersecurity measures, and foster collaboration across sectors to combat digital deception effectively. The timely reporting of such incidents by victims and the public plays a pivotal role in ensuring swift legal action and mitigating the impact of cybercriminal activities.