Popular gamer and content creator Payal Gaming, widely recognised as one of India’s leading female gamers, has registered a First Information Report (FIR) after an alleged AI-generated deepfake video falsely linked to her went viral online.
Payal, whose real name is Payal Dhare, shared an update on her X handle (formerly Twitter), confirming that she has approached the Maharashtra Cyber Department over the incident. She also posted a copy of the FIR, stating that the case has been registered under the Maharashtra State Cyber Department.
FIR registered, cyber authorities thanked
In her post dated December 19, Payal expressed gratitude to senior officials of the Maharashtra Cyber Department for their swift response. She said she met IPS officer Yashasvi Yadav, Additional Director General of Police and head of the department, and thanked the team for their professionalism and support in handling the case.
The move comes amid growing concern over the misuse of artificial intelligence to create deepfake content, particularly targeting women in the public eye.
‘The video is not me,’ Payal clarifies
Earlier, on December 17, Payal issued a detailed clarification addressing the controversy. She stated unequivocally that the individual shown in the circulating video is not her and that her name and image have been falsely associated with the clip.
Payal described the situation as deeply distressing and said she never expected to speak publicly about such a personal matter. She stressed that the video has no connection to her life, identity, or personal choices.
Impact on family and call for responsibility
In her statement, Payal spoke candidly about the emotional toll the incident had taken on her and her family. While she said she usually avoids responding to negativity, she felt compelled to speak out this time — not only for herself, but also for other women facing similar online abuse.
Calling deepfake content “hurtful and dehumanising,” she urged people to stop sharing, reproducing, or speculating about such material. She underlined that online actions have real-world consequences that affect families and personal dignity.
About Payal Gaming
Payal Gaming began her YouTube journey in 2019 and rose to prominence through gameplay videos and live streams of popular titles such as Battlegrounds Mobile India, PUBG, and GTA V. She has been widely praised for competing at the highest level in a male-dominated gaming space.
She was also among leading Indian gamers who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the future of India’s gaming and esports industry.
The case has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger awareness, legal action, and digital responsibility in tackling AI-driven online abuse.