Indian actress Aishwarya Rai has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court against AI-generated deepfake content. Her aim is to halt the misuse of her name, image, and likeness in explicit materials. This case marks a significant point in addressing deepfake technology abuse in India.
Temporary Protective Order Considered
The Delhi High Court has suggested implementing a temporary protective order during a recent hearing. This order would prevent platforms and individuals from using Rai’s identity without consent. The court also plans to direct the removal of infringing links and content.
Exploitation Through Deepfake Content
Aishwarya Rai has fallen victim to “unreal intimate photographs” circulated online. Her attorney claims her name and image are being exploited for sexual purposes, which is a severe violation of personal dignity and privacy rights.
Defendants in Legal Petition
The petition identifies several websites and platforms that unlawfully profit from Rai’s likeness, affecting both commercial entities and government bodies.
Commercial Defendants
Defendants listed include:
- Websites: aishwaryaworld.com, apkpure.com, and bollywoodteeshop.com
- E-commerce platform Etsy
- Organizations: Aishwarya Nation Wealth Motivational Speaker
- AI-driven chatbots
- YouTube channels: NewNWSTamil and Bollywood_CinemaTV07
- Technology giant Google
Government Bodies as Respondents
The petition includes Indian governmental bodies, such as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Department of Telecommunications, underscoring the need for regulatory intervention in deepfake content.
Violation of Personality Rights
The petition argues that deepfake technology leads to “distasteful” images, violating publicity rights, known as personality rights, and assaulting dignity. Rai seeks court protection for her name, voice, image, and distinctive dialogue delivery style, setting a precedent for protecting celebrity rights in the digital age.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
The court’s joint registrar reviewed the case on November 7, with additional proceedings scheduled for January 15. Legal experts anticipate that this case will play a pivotal role in guiding future deepfake content regulation. Rai follows in the footsteps of actors like Jackie Shroff and Anil Kapoor, who have taken legal actions to safeguard their personality rights from unauthorized misuse and exploitation.
