Bollywood and Global Celebrities Lead McAfee’s 2025 Deepfake Deception List: A Growing Cyber Threat in India
In an alarming revelation, cybersecurity giant McAfee has unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 edition of the ‘Most Dangerous Celebrity: Deepfake Deception List’. This annual report sheds light on the escalating misuse of celebrity images and voices by cybercriminals, who increasingly deploy sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) tools to deceive unsuspecting users online. As the digital landscape evolves, so does the ingenuity of scammers, making it imperative for consumers, especially in India’s vibrant digital ecosystem, to stay vigilant.
Shah Rukh Khan: The Most Exploited Celebrity in Deepfake Schemes
Topping McAfee’s list is none other than Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, whose fame and immense popularity make him a prime target for malicious actors. His images, voice snippets, and even mannerisms are frequently manipulated to create convincing deepfake videos and audio clips. These fake media are then used to endorse fraudulent products, promote fake giveaways, or redirect users to malicious websites.
Following closely are Alia Bhatt and Elon Musk, representing a mix of Bollywood icons and international tech moguls. Their likenesses are exploited in a range of deceptive campaigns, reflecting a disturbing trend where high-profile personalities become pawns in cyber scams. The ease with which AI can generate these counterfeit media underscores the growing threat to celebrity reputation and public trust.
Impact of Deepfake Scams on Indian Users
The report highlights a stark reality: approximately 90% of Indian internet users have encountered or come across fake or AI-generated celebrity endorsements. Many have fallen victim to these scams, often without realizing they’re interacting with manipulated content. Victims report an average loss of Rs 34,500, illustrating the tangible financial harm caused by these deceptive tactics.
What makes the situation more concerning is that the deception extends beyond major Bollywood stars and global celebrities. Nearly 60% of respondents have encountered deepfake content featuring social media influencers and digital creators. This proliferation indicates how manipulated media is rapidly spreading across popular platforms, further complicating efforts to distinguish between real and fake content.
The Digital Ecosystem in India: A Perfect Storm for Deepfake Scams
India’s digital environment, characterized by widespread smartphone use and high engagement on social media, provides fertile ground for cybercriminals. The report notes that:
- 95% of users actively use WhatsApp
- 94% are on YouTube
- 84% engage with Instagram
This high penetration makes India especially vulnerable to scams that rely on manipulated celebrity content. Cybercriminals craft convincing deepfakes to promote fake skincare products, cryptocurrency schemes, counterfeit gadgets, and even fake health supplements. These scams are often amplified through social media, making it easy for malicious actors to reach millions within seconds.
Rapid Advances in Deepfake Technology Heighten the Threat
One of the most alarming aspects highlighted in the McAfee report is how easily scammers can produce convincing deepfake content. Using as little as three seconds of a person’s voice, cybercriminals can generate authentic-sounding audio clips. These fabricated voices are then used to endorse fraudulent products or to conduct impersonation scams, further eroding trust in celebrity endorsements.
Deepfake videos and audio are now frequently employed to promote:
- Fake skincare and beauty products
- Ill-gotten cryptocurrency schemes
- Counterfeit gadgets and accessories
<li Unauthorised endorsements for supplements and health aids
The Cultural and Social Implications for Bollywood
In India, where Bollywood is more than just entertainment—it’s a cultural phenomenon—these deepfake scams pose unique challenges. The industry’s popularity magnifies the impact of manipulated media, potentially damaging careers and undermining public trust. Moreover, the proliferation of such content can spread misinformation, fueling gossip and false narratives that can harm celebrity reputations.
Recently, incidents like the circulation of AI-generated obscene deepfake videos featuring celebrities such as Chiranjeevi have made headlines, prompting police investigations and raising awareness about the dangers of deepfake technology. These incidents underscore the urgent need for increased digital literacy and robust protection mechanisms.
Demographics and Vulnerability: Who Is Most at Risk?
The McAfee report also examines the demographics most vulnerable to deepfake scams. Younger users, especially those aged 25–44, are most likely to click on fake celebrity endorsements, with over 60% admitting to falling prey to such scams. The tendency diminishes with age, as only 17% of those over 65 report engagement with or falling for deepfake content.
These findings highlight the importance of targeted awareness campaigns aimed at younger audiences, who are more active on social media and more susceptible to the allure of celebrity endorsements.
Why Awareness and Technology Are Critical in Combating Deepfake Deception
Pratim Mukherjee, Senior Director of Engineering at McAfee India, emphasizes the gravity of the situation: “Deepfakes have fundamentally changed the game for cybercriminals; they’re no longer hacking systems—they’re hacking human trust.” With India’s vibrant celebrity culture and widespread online engagement, the potential for harm is significant. Technology now allows malicious actors to effortlessly mimic faces, voices, and gestures, making it increasingly difficult for the average user to discern reality from deception.
He advocates for increased awareness, cautious online behavior, and the deployment of advanced cybersecurity tools to safeguard users. As deepfake technology becomes more accessible, the role of digital literacy and reliable detection software becomes vital in protecting individuals from falling victim to scams.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Vigilance in the Age of AI-Generated Media
The rise of deepfake technology presents a complex challenge for society, especially in countries like India where digital engagement continues to grow exponentially. The entertainment industry, including Bollywood, must grapple with the implications of AI-driven manipulation, which can tarnish reputations and distort public perception.
Furthermore, social media platforms and tech companies need to develop and enforce stricter measures to detect and remove deepfake content quickly. Consumers, on their part, must cultivate a healthy skepticism towards celebrity endorsements and verify information through trusted sources.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Trust in the Digital Age
As the lines between real and fabricated media blur, the importance of digital literacy, technological innovation, and proactive cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. The McAfee 2025 report serves as a wake-up call for individuals, industries, and policymakers alike to prioritize digital safety and combat the malicious use of AI technology.
In a world where Bollywood celebrities and influencers are just a click away from being exploited by deepfake scams, staying informed and cautious is the best defense. Awareness campaigns, responsible platform policies, and advanced detection tools will be crucial in safeguarding trust and ensuring a safer digital future for all.
Stay vigilant, verify before you trust, and remember—what you see online might not always be real.
