Actress and politician Khushbu Sundar has criticised the use of artificial intelligence to create misleading or inappropriate images of women, warning that the technology can cause harm when used with malicious intent. She stressed that while AI offers several benefits, its misuse raises serious concerns about women's privacy, dignity and safety. 

Her remarks come amid growing concerns over AI-generated deepfakes and digitally altered images of women. Khushbu also emphasised that such abuse is not confined to celebrities, as any woman can become a target of manipulated content.

Khushbu Sundar on the benefits and risks of AI

Khushbu shared her views on artificial intelligence while speaking to reporters after attending the annual general meeting of the South Indian Producers Association. According to Cinema Vikatan, the actor said the technology had both positive and negative aspects, with its impact depending largely on how people use it.

“When it comes to AI technology, just like a coin has two sides, there are both advantages and disadvantages,” she said.

She noted that technological advancements inevitably bring both benefits and challenges, adding that the intentions of those using such tools determine whether they are put to constructive or harmful purposes.

“As technology grows, there will be benefits as well as mistakes. It depends on each person's intentions, and on how far they use it for good purposes or misuse it,” she added.

Actor questions the mindset behind manipulated images

Khushbu expressed concern over individuals who exploit AI tools to depict women in an inappropriate or misleading manner. Her criticism focused on the intent behind creating such content and the disregard for the dignity of those targeted.

The issue extends beyond the entertainment industry, she suggested, as digitally manipulated images can affect women regardless of their profession or public profile. The growing accessibility of AI tools has intensified concerns about their potential use to violate privacy and circulate misleading content.

Khushbu's message to those misusing AI

Addressing those who use artificial intelligence to manipulate women's images, Khushbu urged them to consider how they would react if the same behaviour were directed at women in their own families.

“Those who misuse AI to portray any woman wrongly, whether she is an actor or not, should think about one thing. Try using AI to wrongly alter pictures of the women in your own homes. If that makes you happy, then think about other women,” she said.