Piyush Goyal Alleges AI Deepfake Video, Files Police Complaint as Fake Clip Sparks Misinformation Concerns
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has alleged that an AI-generated deepfake video falsely portraying his remarks was maliciously created and circulated on social media to spread misinformation. The controversy emerged after a manipulated clip appeared online, claiming to show Goyal making inflammatory comments about students participating in the ongoing nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.
In a statement posted on X, Goyal said the original footage of his interaction with the media outside Parliament had been altered using artificial intelligence. He announced that he had filed a police complaint and confirmed that an FIR was registered at Delhi’s Chanakyapuri Police Station in the early hours of July 25. He warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone involved in creating, circulating or knowingly amplifying the fabricated video.
According to government sources, several social media links carrying the alleged deepfake have since been removed. The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit also identified the circulating clip as fabricated and urged the public not to share unverified content, noting that the manipulated video was designed to mislead viewers during a politically sensitive period marked by large-scale student protests.
The manipulated video reportedly surfaced amid nationwide demonstrations over examination-related controversies, where misinformation has spread rapidly across social media platforms. Officials believe the fake clip sought to portray Goyal as making threatening remarks against protesters, even though the minister maintains that no such statements were made in his original interaction with journalists.
Condemning the misuse of artificial intelligence, Goyal described the incident as an example of how emerging technologies can be exploited to distort public discourse. He appealed to citizens to rely only on verified and authentic sources of information, expressing confidence that India’s digitally aware population—particularly young people—would not be misled by AI-generated misinformation.
The episode has renewed debate over the growing threat posed by AI-generated deepfakes in politics and public life. Experts have increasingly warned that realistic synthetic videos can influence public opinion, damage reputations and intensify political tensions if they spread unchecked. The incident is expected to add momentum to discussions on stronger legal safeguards, platform accountability and improved digital verification mechanisms to counter AI-driven misinformation in India.
