Mains Marathon

Day 47: You are serving as the District Magistrate of a metropolitan city ahead of a major election. In recent weeks, there has been a surge in the circulation of deepfake videos on social media platforms. Some of these videos depict prominent political leaders making inflammatory statements they never actually made, while others target private citizens with fabricated compromising content.

A viral deepfake showing a local religious leader making derogatory remarks has already triggered communal tension in parts of the city. The police cyber cell has traced the source to multiple anonymous accounts operating from outside the state, but arrests are proving difficult due to jurisdictional issues and the rapid spread of the content.

Civil society groups are demanding immediate action, claiming that inaction will fuel misinformation and social unrest. However, political parties are accusing the administration of bias, alleging that the selective targeting of certain content violates freedom of expression. Meanwhile, journalists warn that overreach in curbing deepfakes could be used as a pretext to suppress legitimate dissent.

Adding to the complexity, a tech startup in your district has offered an AI-based detection tool for a free trial, but it requires access to large datasets of citizens’ images and voices, raising privacy concerns. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also directed you to ensure that law and order is maintained without unduly restricting digital freedoms.

A. Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.

B. How would you ensure a balanced approach that addresses the deepfake threat while safeguarding freedom of expression?

C. What values of public administration should guide you in handling this crisis? (250 words)