Deepfakes and Local Politics: How AI Is Warping the Political Landscape in Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities | World Global Times
Deepfakes and Local Politics: How AI Is Warping the Political Landscape in Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities
By World Global Times Research Desk | Published: October 16, 2025 | Exclusive
WorldGlobalTimes.com is the first media platform to highlight how AI-generated deepfakes are silently reshaping the political mood in India’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. What began as a digital gimmick has now evolved into a dangerous trend threatening democracy, community harmony, and public trust.
The Silent Digital Weapon of Small-Town Politics
In cities like Bhopal, Jaipur, Indore, and Varanasi, political campaigns are no longer just about posters or rallies. Today, manipulated videos showing rival leaders making false statements or engaging in scandals circulate within minutes on WhatsApp and local Facebook groups. Many of these clips are AI deepfakes—synthetic media created using artificial intelligence to impersonate real people.
While deepfake usage in national politics has been occasionally reported, its spread in smaller towns is new. According to a 2025 Reuters Institute survey, 61% of respondents in Tier-2 cities said they had seen a “politically suspicious video” in the last three months. Most believed it was real.
Cheap Tools, Big Damage
Creating a deepfake once required complex machine learning software and high-end systems. But today, dozens of mobile apps and websites offer instant AI voice and face cloning. Local political workers with limited budgets can now generate fake clips showing candidates insulting communities or bribing voters—all for under ₹500.
Cybersecurity experts warn that these small-town digital attacks are often more harmful than national-scale operations because they exploit existing social divisions. “A single viral deepfake in a district election can swing hundreds of votes in hours,” says Rohit Sinha, an AI researcher at Delhi Technological University.
Fear and Confusion Among Voters
In several localities across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, voters have shared fake videos claiming to expose “corrupt” local leaders. One viral clip from Meerut earlier this year appeared to show a municipal candidate making communal remarks—later confirmed to be fully AI-generated. Yet, by the time authorities intervened, the clip had already reached over 400 WhatsApp groups.
“We saw people fighting in markets over that fake video,” recalls Sarla Devi, a local teacher. “No one checked if it was real. They just believed what they saw.”
Deepfake Factories and Political Spin Rooms
Local sources told World Global Times that small content studios in Tier-2 hubs now specialize in political deepfakes. These studios—often run by young freelancers—quietly produce voiceovers, cloned statements, or fake confessions mimicking rival politicians. Payment is made via digital wallets, leaving almost no trace.
A Lucknow-based video editor admitted anonymously, “We don’t see it as wrong. Everyone is doing it now. Politicians themselves ask for such videos to counter rivals.”
The Law Struggles to Keep Up
India’s Information Technology Act currently lacks a clear definition or punishment for AI-generated deepfake crimes. Although the government announced a draft framework under the Digital India Act, enforcement remains weak. Local police stations rarely have technical experts to verify digital authenticity, especially in small districts.
According to SPRF India, over 68% of deepfake-related complaints filed between 2023 and 2025 in small cities were closed without investigation due to lack of evidence.
Rising Awareness but Limited Action
Some NGOs and universities have begun organizing “Deepfake Awareness Workshops” to educate youth and journalists about AI manipulation. However, experts believe this is not enough. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation recently emphasized that media literacy should be part of school education, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions.
“Deepfakes are not just about politics—they are about psychology,” explains Dr. Shweta Nair, a digital ethics researcher. “They make people doubt everything, even genuine evidence. That’s how democracy erodes silently.”
The Road Ahead: Digital Literacy as the First Line of Defense
Experts from World Economic Forum and WIRED note that India’s battle against deepfakes must begin with awareness, detection tools, and strict content traceability laws. AI developers are also being urged to embed “synthetic content labels” in all generated videos.
As India heads toward state and national elections in 2026, the misuse of deepfakes in smaller cities could pose a grave challenge to electoral integrity. The fight is no longer just about votes—it’s about truth itself.
Disclaimer: This exclusive report was first published by WorldGlobalTimes.com on October 16, 2025. All content is original and verified through independent research sources including the World Economic Forum, Reuters Institute, and SPRF India.
Source: World Global Times Research Desk | Verified References: World Economic Forum, Reuters Institute, Friedrich Naumann Foundation, SPRF India, WIRED, arXiv, Deshbandhu College Research Group.
Tags: #AI #Deepfake #IndianPolitics #Tier2Cities #FakeNews #WorldGlobalTimes #DigitalEthics #Election2025 #TechnologyNews #Misinformation