Case Context: A High-Profile Deepfake Complaint
A watershed legal action has been initiated by a prominent Bollywood couple in the Delhi High Court. The petition alleges that YouTube and Google allowed the creation and dissemination of deepfake AI videos that used the couple’s likeness without their permission, and seeks damages of Rs 4 crore. The filing highlights concerns about the bidirectional risk between AI-generated content and platform policies, arguing that the unauthorized use of their photos and video could mislead viewers and infringe personal rights.
The move follows public warnings from other members of the film industry about AI-driven misrepresentation. The petition contends that such content is not merely sensational but potentially defamatory, contributing to a broader ecosystem where misinformation can spread rapidly online.
Core Allegations: AI, Deepfakes, and Training Data
The crux of the complaint lies in the claim that AI-driven content, including deepfakes, may be trained on third-party materials without the subjects’ consent. According to the petition, this practice raises serious questions about the legality of using likenesses in AI model training and the liability that follows when those models generate new videos or images. The couple asserts that platforms like YouTube should not facilitate or overlook the unauthorized use of likenesses for commercial or deceptive purposes, especially when training data contributes to the creation of further AI-generated misrepresentations.
Beyond the immediate harm to reputation, the plea emphasizes how AI-generated content can distort truth, misinform audiences, and erode trust in media. The petition calls for greater scrutiny of AI-enabled content workflows and for clearer guidelines that safeguard the rights and privacy of individuals featured in videos and photos.
Image Rights and Personal Rights
The filing foregrounds image rights as a critical dimension of the dispute. The petition argues that the distinct visual identity of public figures—shaped by years of public appearances and media portrayal—cannot be exploited without consent, especially when AI re-creates or manipulates those images for misleading narratives. This emphasis on personal rights aligns with a broader global debate about who owns an individual’s image in the age of AI, and what forms of consent must be obtained before likenesses are used in training datasets or generated content.
Context: Earlier Claims by Industry Peers
This legal effort follows similar complaints from other stalwarts of Indian cinema. Earlier, veteran actors including Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, and Jackie Shroff raised concerns about AI-generated content and the potential misuse of their likenesses. The current petition signals a broader wave of industry-wide scrutiny toward AI content policies and how major platforms regulate, or fail to regulate, the use of third-party images and videos in AI pipelines.
Policy Implications for Platforms
The case draws attention to the safeguards—or lack thereof—within AI content policies on platforms like YouTube. If the court sides with the plaintiffs, there could be momentum toward stronger protections for image rights, stricter controls on the use of third-party content in AI training, and clearer rules around deepfake creation and distribution. Advocates for creators argue that policy gaps enable misuse, while platforms emphasize user-generated content and the complexities of enforcing nuanced AI-related rules across diverse content types and languages.
What Happens Next?
As the legal process unfolds, the Delhi High Court will examine the claims, the evidence presented, and the feasibility of the requested damages. The proceedings could set precedent for how Indian courts treat AI-generated content, consent, and fair use in the context of image rights. Outcomes may influence not only entertainment industry practices but also guidelines for tech platforms, advertisers, and content creators navigating the evolving landscape of AI-driven media.
Why This Matters Beyond Bollywood
While the case centers on two film stars, the issues extend to creators, brands, and everyday online users worldwide. The balance between innovation in AI and the protection of individual rights is a global conversation—one likely to intensify as AI tools become more accessible and capable. The Delhi High Court’s decision could shape how courts around the world approach accountability for AI-generated content, accountability for platform operators, and the responsibilities of content creators in the era of artificial intelligence.
