A recently circulated video on social media allegedly linked to popular gaming creator Payal Gaming has ignited widespread controversy, highlighting the urgent and growing threat of deepfake content online. There is no verified confirmation of the video’s authenticity, yet its rapid spread underscores the serious risks of digital misinformation and the pressing need for users to verify content and protect themselves against manipulative AI-generated media.
Payal Dhare, popularly known as Payal Gaming, is at the center of an online controversy after an unverified video went viral on X claiming to feature her. There is no official confirmation, and many fans have dismissed it as an AI-generated deepfake. On Wednesday, Payal clarified that she is not in the video and it has no connection to her life or identity.
Payal Dhare, widely known as Payal Gaming, has earned recognition for her engaging gameplay videos and live streams, becoming a prominent figure in the Indian gaming community. She began her YouTube journey in 2019, creating content for popular games like BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India), PUBG, and GTA V. Over the years, she has build a loyal fanbase, and by August 2021, her channel surpassed 1 million subscribers. She has since become the first Indian female gamer to cross 3 million subscribers on YouTube.
Payal recently faced controversy after a video circulated online claiming she was featured in it. Fans dismissed the claims, calling it a possible deepfake. Reports suggest some are paying up to ₹5,000 for the clip. Under Section 67 of the IT Act, sharing obscene or objectionable content online is punishable, with fines up to ₹5 lakh and up to three years in jail for a first offence, and higher penalties for repeat convictions.
Describing the events around the video as “distressing” and “personal,” Payal stated, “I want to state this clearly and without ambiguity: the individual depicted in that video is not me, and it has no connection to my life, my choices, or my identity.”
A deepfake is a video, image, or audio clip created using artificial intelligence to make someone appear to say or do things they never did. By mimicking facial expressions, movements, and voice patterns, deepfakes can look extremely realistic and are often hard to detect. This technology is increasingly misused to spread misinformation, damage reputations, and mislead viewers online.
Look for unnatural facial expressions or movements
Check for blurred or uneven edges around the face
Watch for poor lip-syncing or inconsistent lighting
Verify the source of the video; be cautious of unknown accounts or suspicious links
Treat content from platforms known for misinformation with extra care
Staying safe online requires caution, awareness, and responsible behaviour. Here’s how:
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or engaging with sensational content
Verify claims through credible news sources before believing or sharing them
Strengthen privacy settings on social media accounts
Be cautious when sharing personal photos or videos to reduce the risk of misuse
Report fake or misleading content so platforms can review and remove it
As deepfake technology advances, experts stress the importance of digital awareness. Careful verification before sharing content can protect both public figures and everyday users from harm.