India Launches ‘Vastav AI’ to Combat Deepfake Threats

Deepfakes: The Growing Threat in the Age of AI

As technology advances, so do the threats that come with it. One of the most alarming of these is deepfake technology, which uses artificial intelligence to generate hyper-realistic fake images, videos, and audio. These falsified digital contents have emerged as a serious cybersecurity threat — from manipulating public perception to impersonating influential figures, deepfakes are now capable of endangering individual privacy, defaming public personalities, and even threatening national security. In response to this growing concern, India has taken a powerful step forward with the launch of its own state-of-the-art Deepfake Detection System, known as Vastav AI.

Introducing Vastav AI: India’s Breakthrough in Deepfake Detection

Developed by Zero Defend Security, a leading Indian cybersecurity firm, Vastav AI is an advanced detection engine designed to identify AI-generated fake media with unmatched precision. Spearheaded by cybersecurity experts of Zero Defend Security, the system boasts an impressive 99% accuracy rate in detecting manipulated photos, videos, and audio files. Built with a focus on national digital integrity and security, Vastav AI not only detects deepfakes but also explains why a piece of content is fake through detailed analysis and visual evidence. It’s a major technological leap that positions India at the forefront of global efforts to combat misinformation and digital deception.

How Vastav AI Works: Precision with Speed and Intelligence

Vastav AI operates using a multi-layered detection framework, combining confidence scores, heatmap visualizations, and metadata insights to thoroughly evaluate the authenticity of any digital content. Whether it’s an image, video, or voice recording, the system analyzes each element with forensic-level precision. Suspicious areas are highlighted visually through heatmaps, while confidence scores quantify the likelihood of manipulation. After processing, Vastav generates a comprehensive report in over 10 formats (PDF, DOCX, JSON, etc.) for review or documentation. The system is built for both speed and depth, delivering accurate results in a matter of seconds — making it ideal for real-time detection and high-stakes environments.

Recognition and Impact: Honored at CIDECODE Hackathon 2025

Vastav AI recently gained widespread recognition when it was showcased at the CIDECODE Hackathon 2025, hosted by CID Karnataka. Its technical brilliance and national relevance earned it special honors at the event, further validating its impact in the cybersecurity domain. As India’s first indigenous deepfake detection solution, Vastav AI is not just a technological tool — it’s a strategic asset in safeguarding digital trust and authenticity. The project has already sparked interest from cybersecurity agencies and digital forensics experts worldwide, setting the stage for future collaborations and implementations on a global scale.

The Road Ahead: Zero Defend Security’s Vision for Cyber Resilience

Zero Defend Security’s mission extends beyond just deepfake detection. The company offers a wide range of cybersecurity services, including ransomware protection, DDoS mitigation, cloud and endpoint security, threat intelligence, and penetration testing (VAPT). Additionally, the firm is known for its professional training programs in ethical hacking, OSCP, OSINT, Red/Blue Teaming, web and Android security, empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. While government agencies and law enforcement bodies will receive free access to Vastav AI, a paid subscription model is planned for the general public and private enterprises. Vastav AI marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards cyber resilience — a powerful reminder that digital truth can still be defended, even in an era of synthetic deception.