Delhi HC Protects Kangana Ranaut’s Personality Rights
The Delhi High Court has granted interim protection to Kangana Ranaut's personality rights, ordering the removal of AI-generated deepfakes and morphed content.
In a landmark move to combat the rising menace of digital manipulation, the Delhi High Court has granted interim protection to actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut. The court has stepped in to safeguard her personality rights, strictly prohibiting the unauthorised use of her name, image, voice, and other personal attributes.
This legal shield specifically targets the growing threat of AI-generated deepfakes, manipulated videos, and fabricated speeches that have been circulating across various digital platforms.
Strict Orders Against Deepfakes and AI Content
Presiding over the matter, Justice Vikas Mahajan issued a series of stringent directions to curb the spread of infringing material. The court has ordered Meta Platforms Inc to remove and permanently take down any content identified by Ranaut as infringing within 72 hours of receiving the order.
Furthermore, the court has taken a proactive stance by involving government regulatory bodies. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Department of Telecommunications have been directed to instruct internet and telecom service providers to block access to any identified infringing websites within the same 72-hour window.
The Court’s Observations on Digital Misrepresentation
The lawsuit was filed by Ranaut seeking protection for her publicity and personality rights. She alleged that her likeness was being exploited through morphed images and audio-visual materials that depicted her in ways she never consented to. Upon reviewing the documents, the court made several critical observations:
- Protection Against Obscenity: The judge noted that some of the content identified appeared to be obscene, sexually vulgar, or pornographic material generated through AI manipulation.
- Risk of Misinformation: The court highlighted that AI-generated content falsely portraying Ranaut making certain statements or participating in specific activities could easily mislead the public into believing the material is genuine.
- Damage to Reputation: The court observed that the threat of damage to her image and personality is "real and present," especially when her current designation as a Member of Parliament is used alongside fabricated quotes.
A Win for Identity and Dignity
Represented by senior advocate Saket Sikri, Ranaut argued that the circulation of such material was a direct infringement on her right to identity, her right to dignity, and her publicity rights. The legal team emphasized that after two decades in the entertainment industry and her current role representing the Mandi constituency, her name and likeness carry significant commercial goodwill and public recognition.
The court found that the balance of convenience lies in Ranaut's favour, noting that the potential injury to her reputation and personality might be so severe that monetary damages alone would not be an adequate remedy.
The interim order restrains all defendants, including unidentified "John Doe" entities, from creating, publishing, or disseminating any synthetic media, false endorsements, or impersonation content that depicts Kangana Ranaut without her explicit authorisation.