KATHMANDU: Incident 1: Singer Samikshya Adhikari’s AI-generated video goes viral.
A few days ago, a video featuring singer Adhikari went viral, showing her in an intimate moment with a young man.
However, it was apparent that the video was manipulated using AI technology, as the images of two separate individuals were merged together.
Despite this, many social media users failed to recognize the use of AI and began to target Adhikari with abusive comments.
In response, Adhikari filed a complaint with the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police, claiming she was the victim of character assassination.
The complaint was lodged after the video, which was created using AI, went viral and began damaging her reputation.
The singer also reported the Facebook page ‘Dipu Kanchho’ (a Digital Creator with 21,000 followers) as the source of the video.
“There are clear provisions in the law regarding character assassination. If someone’s character is attacked through any means, legal action should be taken,” Awasthi stated.
On social media, Adhikari urged: “Do not engage in illegal activities that affect someone’s life in the pursuit of cheap popularity.”
Following the complaint, the person responsible for the video apologized on social media, claiming they had created the video as a joke while learning to use AI technology.
Incident 2: Anu Pariyar’s AI-misused TikTok videos spark outrage
Anu Pariyar, a dancer from Tanahu, has also been a victim of AI misuse. Known for her performances on TikTok and Facebook Reels, Anu gained popularity by showcasing her dance skills to Nepali folk songs, Hindi, and English tracks.
However, things took a turn when vulgar TikTok videos, falsely attributed to her, began circulating online.
With only a few hundred thousand followers, Anu’s fans began accusing her of abandoning her Nepali roots.
In response to the backlash, Anu clarified that she had not produced the inappropriate content.
She explained that her face had been digitally altered and superimposed onto another person’s body using AI.
“The face is mine, but the body is not mine,” she stated. “I cannot afford such expensive clothes, and I urge people not to be misled by these videos, which have been created by misusing my name and face.”
Incident 3: AI-generated intimate video of Bollywood’s Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt
A similar AI-generated video involving Bollywood actors Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt also went viral.
The couple, who are married with a young child, have appeared in intimate scenes in films. However, the misuse of their images outside of a film context raised concerns.
Despite their public status, both Ranbir and Alia, like other celebrities, have the right to control the use of their images.
AI-generated content, even if it draws from their film work, is not exempt from legal boundaries.
Bollywood, the second-largest film industry globally, continues to take a strong stance against such violations of privacy.
Incident 4: Political leader Gagan Thapa targeted by AI manipulation
Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has also been targeted by AI technology.
A notorious scandal involving Thapa and goats, which was widely publicized some time ago, has been revisited in the form of AI-manipulated images.
In the altered photos, Thapa’s head was superimposed onto a goat’s body, mocking the earlier controversy.
Though no legal wrongdoing was found in the goat farming subsidy case, the AI-generated images have continued to tarnish his public image.
Thapa, a prominent figure in Nepali politics, has not responded publicly to the recent misuse of his image, but he views these attacks as part of the political landscape, accepting the criticism as an inevitable consequence of his prominence.
AI’s impact on society
These incidents highlight the growing misuse of AI technology in manipulating public figures, including celebrities and politicians.
While AI promises immense potential for advancement in fields like education, healthcare, transportation, and more, its misuse is a growing concern.
In Nepal, the government has recognized the importance of information technology, with the 2081 BS budget prioritizing the sector.
The government aims to create 1.5 million jobs and generate 300 billion in IT service exports over the next decade.
As AI continues to be a central focus of technological development worldwide, it also brings significant ethical challenges.
Across the globe, from Asia to Europe to America, AI is seen as both a powerful tool for innovation and a source of anxiety.
Experts warn that if AI technology is not carefully regulated, its misuse could become an even bigger issue, with potentially far-reaching consequences for individuals and society as a whole.
Cyber Bureau: No one is immune to character assassination through AI
Deepak Awasthi, spokesperson for the Cyber Bureau, has warned that no one is immune to character assassination, especially in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
He emphasized that using technology out of anger, revenge, or simply for amusement is a punishable offense.
“There are clear provisions in the law regarding character assassination. If someone’s character is attacked through any means, legal action should be taken,” Awasthi stated.
He further noted that celebrities are particularly vulnerable to such attacks. While AI-related crimes are not yet widespread in Nepal, Awasthi stressed the need for caution, saying, “Great care must be taken.
The Cyber Bureau’s efforts are modest, but the government needs to establish a more robust mechanism to prevent such crimes.”
If someone is found guilty of character assassination, the legal penalty can include up to three years in prison, a fine of up to Rs 30,000, or both.
Awasthi also suggested that Nepal should adopt laws similar to those in neighboring India and other developed countries.
He pointed out that raising awareness alone will not solve the problem. “This issue requires the attention of the relevant authorities,” he said, urging technology users to familiarize themselves with existing laws and regulations.
Lack of IT laws: IT expert raises concerns
IT expert Uttam Karki highlighted the challenges posed by the absence of comprehensive IT-related laws in Nepal.
While technology is an integral part of modern life, Karki warned that without proper regulation, it could lead to chaos.
“The technology has entered Nepal, but there’s no telling how many years it will take to create laws to regulate it,” Karki said.
“There is a clear lack of legal frameworks. If we fail to create and enforce such laws, it will lead to dire consequences. The main issue lies in the gaps in policy, which are compounded by the rapid development of technology.”
Karki believes AI holds significant potential in fields such as education, research, and healthcare.
He urged the government to deploy skilled human resources and increase awareness programs to better educate the public about technology.
What does the law say?
Nepal’s Constitution (2015) guarantees the right to privacy, and the Personal Privacy Act (2075 BS) includes provisions to protect individual privacy.
Under these laws, everyone has the right to maintain the confidentiality of their character, personal conduct, and behavior.
If someone is found guilty of character assassination, the legal penalty can include up to three years in prison, a fine of up to Rs 30,000, or both.
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