RBI alerts investors, says deepfake videos of top officials in circulation

Reserve Bank of India governor Shaktikanta Das

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has alerted investors about deepfake videos of governor Shaktikanta Das doing the rounds on social media and cautioned them against making investment choices based on them.

Nhat none of its officials were involved or supported any of the claims made in the videos, the central bank said on November 19.

“It has come to the notice of Reserve Bank of India that fake videos of the governor are being circulated in social media that claim launch of or support to some investment schemes by the RBI. These videos attempt to advise people to invest their money in such schemes, through use of technological tools. RBI clarifies that its officials are not involved in or support any such activities and these videos are fake,” the statement said.

It does not give such financial investment advice and the investors are “cautioned against engaging with and falling prey to such deepfake videos”, the RBI said.

In a similar incident in July, the Bombay High Court had ordered social media intermediaries to act against deepfake videos of National Stock Exchange’s MD and CEO where he was seen giving stock recommendations.