Bollywood actor Preity Zinta has received approval from the Bombay High Court to initiate legal proceedings against Google LLC, Meta Platforms Inc, and other unidentified entities. The case concerns the alleged misuse of her identity through AI-generated deepfake content circulating on various online platforms.
Court's Decision
Justice Abhay Ahuja, who presided over the hearing on Tuesday, granted Zinta permission to proceed with her lawsuit if she chooses to do so. This procedural ruling marks a significant step in one of the increasing number of Indian cases involving artificial intelligence-generated impersonation and personality rights violations.
Allegations in the Petition
In her petition, Zinta alleged that multiple defendants created, uploaded, and disseminated AI-generated content using her face and voice without her consent. The material was reportedly circulated across platforms operated by Google and Meta. The actor expressed concerns about reputational damage and the unauthorized commercial exploitation of her identity.
The petition argued that the content falsely represented Zinta and had the potential to harm both her public image and professional standing, particularly in Mumbai, where she primarily works. Zinta further contended that the alleged misuse of her likeness infringes upon her moral rights under Section 62 of India's Copyright Act, 1957.
Broader Context of Deepfake Concerns
This case comes amid growing concerns over the use of artificial intelligence to create realistic deepfake images, videos, and audio recordings of public figures without their permission. Indian courts have already granted protection to several prominent celebrities, including Anil Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Jackie Shroff, and Shilpa Shetty, in cases involving AI-driven misuse of their identities.
Implications for Digital Consent and Personality Rights
As concerns over deepfakes continue to escalate, Zinta's case adds to the broader debate surrounding digital consent, personality rights, and the adequacy of existing legal frameworks to address rapidly evolving AI technologies. The outcome of this case may influence future legal approaches to AI-generated impersonation in India.
