Shruti Haasan files petition in Bombay HC against AI deepfakes, identity misuse

The Story in Brief

Actor Shruti Haasan has approached the Bombay High Court seeking protection of her personality and publicity rights, alleging widespread misuse of her name, image and likeness through AI-generated content, deepfake videos, fake endorsements and unauthorised merchandise. Her commercial suit names several Indian and international entities, social media platforms and unidentified individuals as defendants. Justice Abhay Ahuja granted Haasan leave under Clause XII of the Letters Patent because part of the alleged cause of action falls outside the court’s territorial jurisdiction, and the matter will be mentioned before Justice Madhav Jamdar for interim relief. The plea alleges AI and deepfake technology were used to create morphed videos and images, including videos falsely depicting romantic relationships and sexually explicit material. Haasan has sought injunctions to restrain unauthorised use of her identity and personality attributes, removal of infringing content, a John Doe order against unidentified infringers, permanent injunctions, damages and an account of profits. The suit also names a poster seller on Flipkart, celebrity booking and endorsement platforms, fashion businesses, and social media companies including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X Corp and Pinterest.

The Indian Opinion

Coverage of this case can easily take a sensational turn because it involves allegations of sexually explicit deepfakes and unauthorised commercial use of a public figure’s identity. An ordinary reader should note the article reports the plaintiff’s claims and a procedural court order; it does not record findings on the truth of the alleged deepfakes or on platform liability. Describing the leave granted by Justice Abhay Ahuja as decisive would be misleading: the permission allows the court to hear the suit despite jurisdictional limits, but it is not a judgment on merits. Careful follow-up reporting should make clear which allegations are contested and report court orders and evidence as they emerge.

Original article: Shruti Haasan moves Bombay High Court against AI deepfakes, fake endorsements and unauthorised use of her identity (BollywoodHungama)

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