N※N

AI-Edited Video of Modi, Altman Sparks Debate on Deepfakes

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2026/02 .. o-of-modi-altman-sparks-debate-on-deepfakes.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 4:18 GMT by moneycontrol.com
      Locales: UNITED STATES, INDIA

New Delhi, India - February 20, 2026 - A seemingly lighthearted viral video featuring OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Anthropic CEO David Risher, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unexpectedly become a focal point in a wider debate about the rapidly evolving capabilities - and potential dangers - of generative Artificial Intelligence. The video, originally captured at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) summit in Delhi, has been significantly altered using tools like ChatGPT, adding a popular song and generating a humorous, yet potentially misleading, clip.

The original footage showed a brief, informal interaction between the three figures - a key moment given India's growing prominence in the global AI landscape and the significant investments being made by companies like OpenAI and Anthropic within the country. However, the edited version, which quickly spread across social media platforms, superimposes a catchy tune over the original dialogue, creating a playful but ultimately fabricated sequence. While the edit's creator appears to have intended it as a harmless joke, experts are pointing to it as a stark example of how easily AI can be used to manipulate perceptions and distort reality.

This incident isn't simply about a funny video; it's about the erosion of trust in visual media. The ease with which generative AI can now alter video and audio content, creating what are commonly referred to as "deepfakes," is a growing concern for governments, media organizations, and individuals alike. What was once a complex and expensive undertaking, requiring significant technical expertise, is now within reach of virtually anyone with access to a smartphone and a basic understanding of AI tools.

"We're entering an era where seeing isn't believing," explains Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading AI ethics researcher at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. "This video, while ostensibly humorous, demonstrates the power of AI to rewrite narratives. Imagine the implications if this technology were used to create false statements by political leaders, fabricate evidence in legal cases, or spread disinformation during an election."

Neither OpenAI, Anthropic, nor the Prime Minister's office have publicly responded to the incident as of this writing. This silence, while understandable given the sensitive nature of the issue, has further fueled the discussion. The lack of immediate clarification about the video's authenticity allowed it to circulate unchecked for a significant period, raising questions about the responsibility of key stakeholders to address such issues promptly.

The GPAI summit itself was intended to foster international cooperation on responsible AI development. Ironically, this incident highlights the challenges of ensuring that AI is used ethically and safely, even within the context of a summit dedicated to those very principles.

Several initiatives are currently underway to combat the spread of deepfakes. These include the development of sophisticated detection algorithms, blockchain-based authentication systems, and media literacy programs designed to educate the public about the risks of manipulated content. However, experts warn that the technology is evolving so rapidly that these countermeasures are often playing catch-up.

"The problem isn't just detecting deepfakes, it's attributing them," says Ben Carter, a cybersecurity analyst at the Global Disinformation Index. "Even if we can identify a video as AI-generated, it's incredibly difficult to trace its origin and hold the perpetrators accountable." The potential for malicious actors to use deepfakes for political manipulation, financial fraud, and personal attacks is substantial.

Furthermore, the legal frameworks surrounding deepfakes are still evolving. Many jurisdictions lack specific laws addressing the creation and distribution of fabricated content, making it difficult to prosecute those responsible. India is currently considering legislation to address the issue, but progress has been slow.

The case of the AI-edited video of Modi, Altman, and Risher serves as a critical reminder that the ethical implications of AI are not abstract concerns - they are present and immediate. As AI technology continues to advance, it is imperative that we develop robust safeguards to protect the integrity of information and ensure that the public can distinguish between reality and fabrication. The playful edit may have generated some laughs, but it's a wake-up call to the urgent need for responsible AI governance and a more discerning approach to consuming online content.