As Deepfakes grow more convincing, Quantum Security becomes a Strategic Priority

PROF. CHARRU MALHOTRA, 
PROFESSOR, 
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (IIPA)

Thanks to the Government of India's vision through Digital India, the country is well prepared through IndiaAI Mission, National Supercomputing Mission, and India Semiconductor Mission.

AI has transformed organizational spaces and citizen expectations, but trust remains the biggest challenge in the digital domain. Synthetic media can support entertainment, education, capacity building, library sciences, information sharing, or student empowerment. However, when combined with mal-intention and wrong information, it can create deepfakes capable of damaging the sanity of a country through social media.

Deepfakes create two major problems. One is fabricated content designed to spread misinformation to spoil community harmony. The other is the liar's dividend, where politicians or celebrities make a statement and, after the damage is done, disown it by claiming it was a deepfake. Synthetic media itself is not harmful if handled responsibly. This is where responsible AI becomes essential. Citizens who actively use UMANG, DigiYatra, DigiLocker, UPI, and other digital initiatives increasingly question the authenticity of online content. Quantum computing adds another dimension. It is not to be dreaded but prepared for because it can process multiple possibilities far faster than traditional systems and may challenge current verification and encryption mechanisms. India launched the National Quantum Mission in April 2023 with an approved outlay of Rs. 6,365 crore, aiming to develop quantum computers, secure quantum communication networks, advance quantum sensing technologies, build indigenous quantum systems, strengthen India's global competitiveness in quantum technologies, and enhance telecom security. India must prepare for post-quantum cryptography (PQC), as it is a strategic necessity.