AI-generated deepfakes fuel political misinformation in Uttar Pradesh election
Ahead of India's 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the ruling BJP and opposition Samajwadi Party engaged in mutual deployment of AI-generated deepfakes and manipulated videos to discredit opponents. The controversy centred on AI-generated content showing party workers, leaders, and alleged administrative irregularities.
What happened
As political tensions escalated ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition Samajwadi Party (SP) deployed AI-generated deepfakes and manipulated media to attack opponents.
BJP-affiliated handles shared an AI-generated video depicting Samajwadi Party workers doubting their electoral prospects in regions like Poorvanchal, and released a satirical AI song titled 'UP badnaam hua, Teepu tere maare' linking the former SP government with corruption and lawlessness.
In retaliation, Samajwadi Party operatives created and circulated an AI-generated counter-video targeting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, depicting him purportedly acknowledging administrative irregularities and corruption.
Reported impact
Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav stated at a press conference that the BJP was misusing generative AI as a tool for political mudslinging, asserting that 'AI should be used for constructive purposes, not for wrongdoing.'
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.