SRK, Alia Bhatt among 'most dangerous celebrities,' thanks to deepfakes
What's the story
Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt have topped the 2025 edition of McAfee's Most Dangerous Celebrity: Deepfake Deception List. The report highlights how cybercriminals are increasingly using the names and likenesses of public figures to mislead users online. Other celebrities on the list include Elon Musk, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Cristiano Ronaldo, MrBeast, Lionel Messi, Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, and BTS members.
Findings
90% Indians encountered fake celebrity endorsements, says report
The report found that 90% of Indians have come across fake or AI-generated celebrity endorsements. Those who fell victim to such scams reported an average loss of ₹34,500. The findings also reveal that deception is no longer limited to mainstream actors or global figures. About 60% of respondents say they have encountered deepfake content featuring social media influencers and digital creators, reflecting the rapid spread of manipulated media across platforms.
Vulnerability
India's digital ecosystem fuels rising deepfake threat
The report attributes the rising threat to India's highly active digital ecosystem. With 95% of users on WhatsApp, 94% on YouTube, and 84% on Instagram, the country's social media presence makes it a key target for online scams that rely on manipulated celebrity content. The study also notes that scammers now require as little as three seconds of a person's voice to create convincing audio deepfakes.
Scams
Deepfakes used to promote fake skincare products, giveaways, schemes
These deepfakes are commonly used to promote fake skincare products, giveaways, and cryptocurrency schemes, along with endorsements for gadgets and supplements. "Deepfakes have changed the game for cybercriminals; they're no longer hacking systems-they're hacking human trust," said Pratim Mukherjee, Senior Director of Engineering at McAfee. "It's becoming harder to tell what's real and what's not, making awareness, caution and reliable protection tools more critical than ever."