Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 12: Bollywood celebrities are increasingly approaching courts to safeguard their personality rights against unauthorised commercial use, deepfakes, and AI-generated content. The latest to seek legal protection is Salman Khan, who moved the Delhi High Court to secure his name, image, voice, and likeness amid growing concerns over online harassment, digital stalking, and morphed content.
Just days before Salman, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR Junior) approached the court for similar relief, highlighting the rising trend of actors seeking legal safeguards in the era of generative AI.
• Ajay Devgn: In November, Devgn requested Delhi HC to curb unauthorized use of his persona on digital platforms, including deepfake pornographic content. The court ordered infringing websites to remove such material.
• Abhishek Bachchan: Filed a case in September seeking protection of his name, image, and signature against AI-driven misuse. The court restrained platforms from exploiting his persona without authorization.
• Hrithik Roshan: In October, the court protected Roshan’s personality and publicity rights, ordering removal of objectionable social media posts.
• Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Secured protection in September, with Delhi HC emphasising that courts “cannot turn a blind eye” to the unauthorised use of personality rights. Platforms were restrained from sharing AI-generated or deepfake content featuring the actor.
• Kumar Sanu: The singer was granted interim protection in October against unauthorized use of his name, image, voice, and singing style.
• Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: In October, the spiritual guru received protection against AI-generated content and misuse of his image, voice, or likeness.
Legal experts note that with the rise of generative AI, deepfakes, and face-morphing technologies, public figures are at heightened risk of misinformation, online harassment, and exploitation. Courts are increasingly recognising the need to protect personality rights and maintain control over one’s identity in the digital age.