Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has expressed concern over the misuse of artificial intelligence to create and circulate fake and objectionable content, saying that celebrities speaking about such material on social media may inadvertently increase its reach.
His remarks came after a morphed video featuring the song ‘Chuttamalle’ from the film ‘Devara’ circulated on social media, prompting actor Jr NTR to condemn the content and warn of legal action against those responsible for creating and sharing it.
Varma, known for films such as ‘Satya’, said that public statements by celebrities could draw further attention to the offensive content and the identity of the person targeted.
In a post on X, he argued that the focus should instead be on identifying and apprehending those responsible for creating and circulating such material.
Varma wrote that celebrities had inadvertently helped publicise the objectionable content to a much wider audience. He said efforts should have been directed towards catching the perpetrator rather than drawing further attention to the victim and the offensive material.
On Saturday, Jr NTR strongly condemned the morphed video, describing those responsible as “Disgusting, Sick and Shameless”. He said the use of AI to create degrading content targeting a woman was deeply shameful and warned that he would pursue legal action against both the creators and those spreading the video.
The actor also urged social media users not to watch, share or engage with the content, warning that anyone could become a target of such misuse of technology.
Jr NTR further appealed to state governments and the Central government to introduce strict regulations to prevent the misuse of AI and take strong action against those responsible for creating and circulating such material.