Governments Grapple with AI Deepfakes as Fake Video Shakes Nepal's Election

Governments Grapple with AI Deepfakes as Fake Video Shakes Nepal's Election Authorities and experts are raising alarms as artificial intelligence (AI)-generated "deepfake" videos are deployed to manipulate voters and disrupt democratic processes, with a recent high-profile case in Nepal demonstrating the immediate threat. The incident involved a digitally fabricated video that spread rapidly online last year. It falsely showed three of Nepal’s top political figures—Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Rabi Lamichhane, former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, and ex-power sector chief Kulman Ghising—walking together, sparking rumors of a major political alliance ahead of national elections [57866]. The meeting never occurred. This forgery is part of a growing wave of AI-generated fakes in Nepal and other nations, where the technology can make it appear a public figure said or did something they never did [57866]. Experts warn these deepfakes pose a direct threat to electoral integrity by misleading voters and distorting democratic debate [57866]. Political analysts are calling for urgent public awareness campaigns, arguing that teaching media literacy is now a critical part of defending democracy [57866]. The concern is that without clear labels or widespread public education, voters may struggle to distinguish real news from AI-generated fiction, potentially swaying public opinion based on complete falsehoods [57866]. The Nepal case has become a focal point for a broader, global challenge facing democracies as the technology to create convincing fake videos becomes more accessible and difficult to detect. Fake Leaders, Real Fear: AI Deepfakes Target Nepal Election