Abhishek Bachchan moves Delhi HC against AI deepfakes and image misuse  

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan has moved the Delhi High Court seeking protection of his personality rights against the unauthorised use of his name, image, voice, and likeness on digital platforms. The petition comes close on the heels of a similar plea filed by his wife, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, earlier this week.

Earlier this week, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan sought similar protection from the Delhi High Court after discovering morphed and objectionable images circulating online.

Abhishek and Aishwarya are not the first public figures to take legal recourse. In 2022, actor Anil Kapoor secured an order from the Delhi High Court preventing misuse of his image, voice, and even his signature catchphrases. Spiritual leader Sadhguru has also raised alarms about deepfake videos and impersonations that misrepresent his views and teachings, calling for stricter safeguards against the misuse of technology.

Abhishek's matter was heard on Wednesday by Justice Tejas Karia, who noted that platforms such as Google, YouTube, Amazon, and Flipkart can only be directed to act if specific URLs are shared. “If you can identify the problem, it can be easily done. This order cannot be granted otherwise,” Justice Karia remarked. Bachchan’s counsel, advocate Pravin Anand, assured the court that detailed links of the infringing content would be submitted during the day.

In his petition, Bachchan pointed to rampant misuse of his persona, ranging from unauthorised merchandise and wallpapers to AI-generated deepfakes, misleading endorsements, and even fake autographs. He also flagged sexually explicit and defamatory content being circulated in his name, warning that such misuse not only infringes copyright but also tarnishes his reputation.

The defendants include YouTube channels, wallpaper websites, online sellers on platforms like Etsy, and merchandise outlets such as Bollywood Tea Shop.