Protecting
Women's Rights:
Legal and Ethical
Challenges of
Deepfakes
Deepfakes are a growing threat to women's rights. This
paper explores the legal and ethical challenges of deepfakes
and proposes solutions.
by Aparimita Tiwari
Understanding Deepfakes
1 Digital Manipulation
AI-generated media that convincingly imitates reality.
2 Deception
Used to create misleading content.
3 Abuse Against Women
Non-consensual explicit content, often sexual.
4 Impact
Psychological harm and reputational damage.
Driving Forces
Societal Biases Anonymity Accessibility
Gender biases and misogyny. Internet allows offenders to Easy to create deepfakes
act without fear. with minimal skills.
Urgent Need for Action
Real-World Impact
Deepfake video of Rashmika Mandanna highlights the threat.
Vulnerability
Public figures and ordinary women are targets.
Lack of Protection
Legal systems are lagging behind technology.
Devastating Consequences
Emotional Distress
Anxiety, depression, and helplessness.
Loss of Control
Difficult to regain control over image and narrative.
Social Stigma
Reinforces harmful stereotypes and undermines dignity.
Ethical Dimensions
Deontological Ethics
Violation of autonomy and consent.
Consequentialism
Negative impact on victims and society.
Virtue Ethics
Perpetuates objectification and undermines value.
Care Ethics
Emotional toll on victims and relationships.
Legal Frameworks in India
IT Act, 2000 Sections 66D, 66E, 67, 67A, 67B
IT Rules, 2021 Rule 7, intermediary liability
IPC Sections 354C, 499, 507
Indecent Representation of Prohibits indecent and
Women Act, 1986 degrading portrayal of
women
Copyright Act, 1957 Protects against
unauthorized use of
copyrighted images
POCSO Act, 2012 Safeguards minors from
sexual exploitation
DPDPA, 2023 Protects personal data and
includes right to erasure
Judicial Perspectives
1 Right to Privacy
Deepfakes violate fundamental right to privacy.
2 Right to Erasure
Victims can seek removal of harmful content.
3 Regulatory Challenges
Courts acknowledge complexities of regulating deepfakes.
4 Protection of Public Figures
Courts protect public figures from unauthorized use of image.
Government Initiatives
1 Advisory to Platforms
Platforms must remove harmful content within
36 hours.
2 Draft Regulations
Proposed rules to hold creators and platforms
accountable.
3 Special Officer
Appointed to monitor violations and handle complaints
Holistic Reforms
1 Overhaul of Laws
Proactive measures to tackle deepfake abuse.
2 Public Awareness
Educate the public about deepfakes and reporting mechanism
3 Technological Solutions
Watermarking and blockchain to verify authenticity.
4 Accountability
Hold tech companies responsible for preventing misuse.
