By Clarion India
MUMBAI – Rana Ayub, a prominent Indian journalist, recently became a victim of a disturbing online attack when her details were leaked, a process known as doxxing. The situation has now worsened with the emergence of a deepfake video featuring her. The video, ostensibly created and circulated by right-wing social media accounts, has sparked international concern, with press freedom advocates urging the Indian government to act swiftly to protect the journalist.
Ayub, who has been a vocal critic of the Narendra Modi government, took to social media to condemn the harassment. On her Instagram, she described the new wave of attacks, saying, “After filing a complaint, multiple FIRs, protests, and reactions from journalistic organisations, the police took action. But now those who harassed me online and those who follow them have gone a step further. They have created a deepfake pornographic video in which my image has been morphed.”
The disturbing content, which aims to damage Ayub’s reputation and intimidate her, follows a series of other online attacks. In addition to the deepfake video, her email, bank details, and social media passwords were leaked. Right-wing handles also spread false rumours, including claims that Ayub had been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UPSTF).
Speaking out against cyber attack, Ayub further stated, “How do you shame and silence a woman who refuses to give up? You try to attack her character, try to undermine her modesty, intimidate her from running her social media accounts, share rumours about her ethics and spread rumours that she chooses the wrong path for her news and articles.”
The harassment has prompted widespread condemnation from journalistic organisations and press freedom advocates. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a statement urging the Indian authorities to take immediate action against those responsible for the doxxing and deepfake content. “We call upon the Indian government to ensure the safety of Rana Ayub and take steps to hold those behind this harassment accountable,” the CPJ statement read.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.
