Payal Gaming Deepfake Case: Why India Can’t Ignore The Deepfake Crisis Anymore
Popular Indian gaming creator and YouTuber Payal Dhare (known as Payal Gaming) was recently caught up in a social-media firestorm after a sexually explicit video began circulating online with claims that it showed her. There is no verification that the footage is real, and fans and experts believe it was generated using AI deepfake technology, which superimposes her face onto unrelated video material. Payal publicly denied any connection to the alleged clip, calling the claims false and distressing, and has taken legal action — including a complaint with Maharashtra Cyber Police — as authorities investigate the misuse of AI to weaponize her identity. The incident highlights how deepfake content is becoming an increasing threat in India, with creators and public figures vulnerable to reputational damage, online harassment, misinformation and broader digital abuse unless stronger safeguards and awareness measures are put in place.
