Skyward Aviator Quest, an online gaming application site, is facing legal trouble after it utilized deep fake technology to manipulate an old video featuring Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. The video, which surfaced on the gaming platform, aimed to attract users with promises of easy money. 

As reported by Times of India, Ramesh Pardhe, Tendulkar’s personal assistant, took swift action and reported the incident to the West region cyber police, resulting in the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) on Tuesday.

The manipulated video depicted Sachin Tendulkar and his daughter Sara engaging in gameplay, purportedly showcasing a simplified method to earn substantial amounts of money. Upon discovering the misuse of the old video through deep fake technology, Sachin Tendulkar took to X (Formerly Twitter) on Monday to address the issue. He stated, “These videos are fake. It is disturbing to see rampant misuse of technology. Request everyone to report videos, ads & apps like these in large numbers. Social Media platforms need to be alert and responsive to complaints. Swift action from their end is crucial to stopping the spread of misinformation and deep fakes.”

Ramesh Pardhe encountered the manipulated video on his Facebook page link. In his complaint, Pardhe explained, “On noticing the video, I had a close check and found that Sachin’s voice has been used in an edited video on YouTube, which was an interview that he has given to media executive Vikram Sathaye. The edited old video was used with a deep fake on Skyward Aviator Quest, showing Sachin and his daughter playing the game on an IOS app and promoting the same to earn fast money.”

According to a Cyber police officer, the edited video depicted Tendulkar endorsing an online game, citing his daughter Sara’s earnings of Rs 1.8 lakh per day through predictions in the game. The authorities are actively seeking details of the internet protocol (IP) address to trace the individuals involved in the offense. A case has been registered under the Indian Penal Code section 500 (defamation) and the IT Act section 66 (A) (Punishment for sending offensive messages through communication service) against the Facebook user (Hurma) and the owner of the gaming site.