19 December,2025 09:32 PM IST | Mumbai | Anish Patil
Preliminary forensic analysis confirmed that Payal Dhare`s video was generated using AI, officials said. Pic/Instagram
The Maharashtra Cyber on Friday said that it has registered an FIR in a case involving a deepfake video falsely linked to YouTuber Payal Dhare who goes by the name Payal Gaming.
Payal Dhare is a popular social media content creator. She is known for her engaging gameplay videos and live streams on YouTube and has 4.5 million subscribers on the platform.
According to the officials, Dhare has filed a complaint after a video circulated online, falsely claimed to feature her, caused severe mental trauma, reputational damage, and emotional distress to her.
Preliminary forensic analysis confirmed that the video was generated using AI and in a probe it was found as a deepfake video.
A case has been registered under sections 3(5), 79, 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), section 67 of the Information Technology (IT) Act and sections 3 and 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, an official statement said.
To protect the victim's reputation, Maharashtra Cyber has issued a certificate confirming the deepfake nature of the video. The certificate helps prevent further misuse or circulation of the fabricated content, the statement said.
A detailed investigation is underway to trace the origin of the video, identify those responsible, and track anyone who circulated it for financial gain, harassment, or reputational harm.
The probe includes advanced cyber forensics, digital trail analysis, and coordination with social media platform, it said.
In a post on social media on Wednesday, she appealed to the public and media to refrain from sharing, reproducing, or speculating about the deepfake video in any form.
She added, "Appropriate legal action is being taken to address the misuse of my name and likeness and to ensure accountability under the law."
