Akshay Kumar gets interim relief as Bombay HC orders removal of his AI and other deepfake videos

Akshay Kumar's personality rights have been protected by the Bombay High Court, marking a significant win for the actor amidst the rising threat of deepfakes and AI-generated content. The court deemed the realistic deepfakes "truly alarming" and ordered the removal of such content from social media platforms, restraining future misuse. This ruling highlights the growing concern over digital impersonation and its potential consequences. Kumar joins a list of celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Asha Bhosle, who have sought similar protection.

What court said in it’s order

According to the news agency PTI, the High Court addressed a case involving Akshay Kumar, stating, "Both in the context of images and videos, the morphing is so sophisticated and deceptive that it is virtually impossible to discern that the same are not genuine images/videos of the plaintiff (Kumar)." Akshay Kumar had filed a lawsuit against various websites and social media platforms for unauthorized use of his images, videos, and name. In an interim application, the actor requested the removal of the content and a ban on its future use.

Removal of Valmiki’s videos

The court's order highlighted the deep concern over a deepfake video of the actor making inflammatory statements about Rishi Valmiki. It noted, "The consequences that can arise from such content being disseminated are indeed most grave and serious," particularly concerning the deepfake video of the actor making communally inflammatory statements and statements about Rishi Valmiki.

The court further stated that Akshay, being a renowned actor, possesses rights over his personality, including his name, screen name, image, voice, tone, and distinctive performance. The court found grounds to grant interim protection, preventing individuals from infringing upon the actor's personality rights or misusing them without authorization.

Protecting Personality Rights in the Age of Deepfakes

The court mandated the removal of all such content from social media platforms and banned any future posting of similar material. Kumar, in his plea, sought protection of his personality rights due to the proliferation of deepfake videos, asserting that this content had harmed his reputation and carried significant implications. The petition aimed to stop the ongoing infringement and unauthorized commercial use of his personality and publicity rights, encompassing his real name, screen name "Akshay Kumar," image, likeness, voice, distinctive performance style, mannerisms, and other identifiable attributes.