Palghar: A sensational case has emerged from Maharashtra’s Palghar district where two siblings stand accused of exploiting Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create and disseminate objectionable videos of women and girls via social media. This marks a disturbing first for the state, highlighting the sinister potential of AI in generating offensive content, as revealed by officials on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the two young men, aged 19 and 21, were apprehended for their alleged involvement in producing explicit videos utilizing AI technology. Notably, these accused individuals are the offspring of a Mumbai police official, as disclosed by senior inspector Kalyan Karpe of the Arnala marine police station.

AI being used to create illicit content

Senior inspector Sujit Gunjkar of the cyber cell under the Mira-Bhayandar-Vasai-Virar police commissionerate emphasized that this case marks the state’s first such instance of AI being exploited to perpetrate a cyber crime of this nature.

The accused duo allegedly harnessed AI tools to manipulate images of unsuspecting women and girls for their scandalous creations.

Assault on two girls

Things took an even darker turn when two young women confronted the accused concerning the offensive videos. Allegedly, the siblings responded with physical assault, further intensifying the gravity of their actions.

Furthermore, the authorities swiftly responded, apprehending the accused on Tuesday under the provisions of section 354 (molestation) of the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant clauses of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).

The investigation into this disturbing case continues as the officials of the Mumbai Police continue to remain grappled with the challenges posed by AI-driven offenses. Apart from the police officials the citizens should also understand the importance of transformation. We should also understand the importance of instilling adequate awareness regarding fraud through technology.