Fans and lawmakers express outrage as sexually explicit deepfake images of Taylor Swift, likely generated by AI, flood social media platforms. Shared on X, one image amassed 47 million views before suspension. Despite efforts to remove them, the images persisted on various platforms, prompting Swift's fans to rally against the disturbing content. Cybersecurity firm Reality Defender attributes the creation to widely accessible AI-driven technology. With concerns growing about the rising impact of deepfakes, legislators advocate for stronger regulations. Representative Joe Morelle deems the situation "appalling," while Senator Mark Warner calls it a "deplorable situation," renewing the push for federal action against non-consensual deepfake sharing.

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) cautions that artificial intelligence (AI) progress, particularly generative AI tools, will elevate the sophistication of scam emails. The NCSC warns that identifying phishing attempts or fake password reset requests will become challenging for users due to the capabilities of AI, increasing cyber-attack volumes. The report highlights the potential rise in ransomware attacks, facilitated by AI's lower barriers for cybercriminals. While acknowledging AI's defensive capabilities, the NCSC emphasizes the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. The UK government introduces guidelines for businesses to strengthen resilience against ransomware threats.

Following the grand Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya, a digitally altered image circulated online, claiming to show Lord Ram on Dubai's Burj Khalifa. Shared widely, users questioned its authenticity. Fact-checking unveiled the photo as digitally altered, garnering over two million views. Online debates ensued, with users expressing awe and skepticism. Similar incidents occurred in 2023. Meanwhile, Ayodhya's Ram temple opened to the public, attracting devotees despite the biting cold. The grand temple, built in the traditional Nagara style, boasts a length of 380 feet, a width of 250 feet, and will rise to 161 feet at the 'shikhar'.

Nora Fatehi becomes the latest victim of deepfake deception, unveiling a manipulated video promoting a fashion brand. The flawless deepfake, mirroring Nora's voice and mannerisms, raised concerns amid the surge in such incidents. Nora took to Instagram, expressing shock and clarifying, "This is not me." Previously targeted celebrities include Rashmika Mandanna, Katrina Kaif, Kajol, Alia Bhatt, and Priyanka Chopra. The alarming rise in deepfake cases prompts increased vigilance in distinguishing authentic content from AI-generated forgeries. Deepfake videos continue to pose challenges to digital identity and authenticity in the entertainment industry.

Delhi Police apprehends a 24-year-old, identified as Eemani Naveen, for creating a deepfake video of actor Rashmika Mandanna. Naveen, a digital marketer, admitted his motive was to gain Instagram followers. The deepfake, initially featuring British-Indian influencer Zara Patel, went viral, prompting the Centre to issue advisories emphasizing legal consequences for deepfake creation. Naveen, a Mandanna fan, ran a fan page and observed a surge in followers after the video's release. Aware of potential trouble, he deleted posts, changed the channel name, and removed relevant digital data. The incident underscores concerns over the misuse of deepfake technology.

Delhi police have arrested the perpetrator behind the deepfake video featuring actor Rashmika Mandanna, which went viral in November. The video initially showcased British-Indian influencer Zara Patel, seamlessly morphing into Mandanna's likeness through deepfake technology. Mandanna expressed her concern, describing the incident as "extremely scary" and emphasizing the vulnerability caused by technology misuse. Following the viral deepfake, the Centre issued advisories to social media platforms, stressing legal provisions and potential penalties. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar emphasized compliance, while Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw urged platforms to aggressively identify and remove deepfakes to maintain Safe Harbour Clause eligibility.

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta CEO, faces criticism for committing to develop an open-source artificial general intelligence (AGI) system, equalling human intelligence. Dame Wendy Hall, a UN advisory member, deems the prospect "really very scary" and labels it irresponsible. Experts warn of potential harm and stress the need for robust regulation before releasing such powerful AI systems. The decision to make AGI open source raises concerns about public safety and the role of tech giants in shaping AI's future. Zuckerberg defends the move, emphasizing the importance of openness, while critics argue for international consensus in shaping AGI decisions.

Mumbai police register an FIR against a gaming site and a Facebook page following Sachin Tendulkar's complaint about a deepfake video falsely depicting him endorsing a gaming app. The FIR, under defamation and IT Act sections, originates from Tendulkar's personal assistant. The manipulated video falsely showed Tendulkar winning money with his daughter in an online game. Tendulkar labeled it a "disturbing" misuse of technology, urging people to report such instances. The police haven't disclosed the gaming site and Facebook page owners' details yet. Tendulkar emphasizes the need for swift action against misinformation on social media.

Abu Dhabi's MBZUAI researchers unveil AI system mimicking handwriting with just a few paragraphs. Using a transformer model, they earned a US patent for the innovative technology. While it raises potential benefits like aiding those unable to write, concerns about misuse and forgeries linger. The team emphasizes the need for careful deployment, suggesting public awareness and anti-forgery tools. Despite uncertainties, the researchers aim to apply the technology to real-world uses soon, seeking commercial partnerships. Applications range from decoding doctors' handwriting to enhancing AI models' processing of handwritten data. Challenges remain, particularly in adapting the tech to Arabic.

Microsoft introduces Copilot Pro, a $20/month subscription bringing advanced AI features to individual users of Office apps. Extending beyond Copilot's free version, subscribers get exclusive access to AI assistance in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote on PC. Copilot Pro users enjoy priority access to the latest OpenAI models, including GPT-4 Turbo, promising faster performance during peak times. The subscription also enhances AI image creation, offering 100 boosts per day with improved quality, while regular users are limited to 15 boosts. Microsoft aims for a unified AI experience across devices, positioning Copilot Pro as a premium service for enhanced AI capabilities.