NextFin news, New Delhi, Tuesday – Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the growing concern over deepfake videos, revealing that several manipulated videos featuring her have been circulated. Speaking on October 7, 2025, she emphasized the urgent need to strengthen defenses against such digital fabrications to protect public figures and the general populace from misinformation and fraud.
Sitharaman underscored the potential dangers posed by deepfake technology, which can create highly realistic but fake videos that may mislead viewers and damage reputations. She called for coordinated efforts involving government agencies, technology companies, and cybersecurity experts to develop robust countermeasures against these threats.
In the same address, the Finance Minister praised the recent enhancements made to the security framework of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), India’s flagship digital payment system. She highlighted that the new security measures are designed to safeguard users’ financial transactions and build greater trust in digital payments.
The UPI system, which facilitates instant money transfers between bank accounts via mobile devices, has seen exponential growth in adoption across India. The upgraded security protocols aim to prevent fraud and unauthorized access, thereby reinforcing the integrity of the platform.
Sitharaman’s remarks come amid increasing global concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence technologies like deepfakes, which have been used to spread misinformation and conduct financial scams. Her call for stronger defenses aligns with India’s broader cybersecurity strategy to protect its digital infrastructure and citizens.
By addressing both the challenges posed by deepfake videos and the advancements in payment security, the Finance Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering a secure digital environment. These measures are expected to enhance public confidence in digital technologies and support India’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives.
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