BRS Social Media Leaders Interrogated by Telangana Police Over AI Video Incident
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Synopsis
On April 9, BRS social media heads Manne Krishank and Konatham Dileep were interrogated by Telangana Police for allegedly posting AI-generated videos about land in Kancha Gachibowli. They claim the cases are politically driven, as they address concerns over fabricated content misrepresenting government actions.
Key Takeaways
- BRS leaders faced police questioning.
- Allegations involve AI-generated videos.
- Accusations of political motivation behind the case.
- Telangana High Court instructed cooperation with the investigation.
- Concerns raised over misinformation on social media.
Hyderabad, April 9 (NationPress) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) social media leaders Manne Krishank and Konatham Dileep appeared before the Gachibowli police on Wednesday in relation to a case involving their alleged posting of Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated videos on social media regarding 400 acres of land in Kancha Gachibowli, adjacent to Hyderabad Central University.
Both leaders complied with the notices issued by the police and reported to the Gachibowli Police Station under the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate.
Krishank was notably dressed in a black shirt emblazoned with “deMockRRacy.” He accused Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of undermining democratic principles.
On Tuesday, the Telangana High Court instructed Krishank to actively participate in the ongoing investigation.
Krishank had previously petitioned the High Court, asserting that the registration of four First Information Reports (FIRs) regarding the same issue was a violation of Supreme Court guidelines and that the cases were politically motivated.
While mandating Krishank's cooperation with the investigation, the High Court postponed the hearing for four weeks.
Notices were delivered to Krishank and Dileep on Monday, summoning them for questioning on April 9, 10, and 11.
They face charges for utilizing AI technology to create and disseminate videos on social media platforms. According to authorities, the contentious video has the potential to mislead the public or incite unrest.
FIRs have been filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 353 (1) (b), 353 (1) (c), 352 (2), 192, 196 (1), and 61 (1) (a).
However, Krishank contended that all images and videos shared on social media concerning the University of Hyderabad campaign were submitted by students or journalists. He accused the Congress government of pursuing legal actions as a strategy for damage control.
In a pointed remark aimed at the Chief Minister, the BRS leader stated that it is not Artificial Intelligence but rather Anumula Intelligence.
He further alleged that a Rs 30,000 crore scam was underway concerning the Kancha Gachibowli lands, claiming that since the government had already appropriated Rs 10,000 crore, JCBs were brought in during the night, trees were cleared, and students were subjected to lathi charges.
The Telangana government has expressed grave concern over the dissemination of fabricated videos and images related to the Kancha Gachibowli lands. They have approached the court, requesting an investigation into the misuse of AI for generating fake content.
The government has raised alarms about the controversies sparked by these fabricated videos and images circulating on social media, alleging that they depict the government seizing lands from Hyderabad Central University.
Reportedly, certain vested interests have created misleading videos and AI-generated images showing distressed peacocks and injured deer fleeing bulldozers. Even notable individuals from various sectors erroneously believed these fake visuals were authentic and shared them on social media.
A meeting chaired by the Chief Minister last Saturday highlighted that Union Minister Kishan Reddy, former Minister Jagadish Reddy, social media influencer Dhruv Rathi, and film stars John Abraham, Dia Mirza, and Raveena Tandon contributed to the spread of misinformation by sharing these misleading videos and images, thinking they were genuine.
