There is a lot of discussion and criticism on social media about an offensive video created using artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate celebrities.
After a private television station’s social media page was hacked, the videos posted there quickly spread. The media outlet later apologised for the hacking, but the controversy did not stop.
In such a situation, actress Mehazabien Chowdhury has now spoken out about the video and the role of those involved in its dissemination.
In her Facebook post on Thursday morning, Mehazabien wrote, “Using AI to create false and fabricated content in someone’s name and spreading it with the intention of humiliating someone is not entertainment, but a crime.”
According to the actress, when hundreds or thousands of people share the same type of content, the issue is no longer limited to the crime of just one person; rather, a larger social problem emerges. She also raised questions about the position of society at this stage.
The actress reminded that if someone in their family had been the victim of such a deepfake, would they have done the same? Now, Mehazabien did not want to bring up such an example.
As a reason, Mehazabien said, “At this stage, I don’t even want to say that old saying, just think if this had happened to your mother or sister! Because to respect someone as a human being, why does he have to be a member of our family?”
Mehazabien also expressed concern about the competition for views, likes, shares and being trending on social media.
She admitted that for many, creating content is now a means of livelihood. She is not denying the struggle and reality of people.
However, her question is, “Since when did insulting and disrespecting another person become our means of earning?”
According to her, the tendency to humiliate others in the hope of popularity or earning money is in no way acceptable.
According to Mehazabien, everyone has the right to be respected as a human being.
There can be no acceptance of creating and spreading offensive content that demeans someone or uses their identity.
Mehazabien further mentioned that this problem is no longer limited to women or men.
In the competition for views, engagement and trending, anyone can be a part of creating harmful content, and anyone can be a victim of it.
However, she is not only concerned about those who are creating this content; rather, the actress is also concerned about the role of those who are willingly sharing, discussing and reaching more people.
At the end of the post, Mehazabien urged sharers to think about their own conscience.
She commented, “You can consider whether you would show your own consciencelessness by participating in the crime of a criminal.”