Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor has taken a significant step by approaching the Delhi High Court to protect his personality rights against potential misuse through artificial intelligence and inappropriate content. The case was presented before Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, with Advocate Pravin Anand representing Kapoor.
During the hearing, Anand explained to the court that multiple defendants were exploiting Kapoor’s likeness and images for merchandise without his authorization. He also pointed out that there were instances of explicit material and deepfakes featuring the actor, which he argued were not just playful satire, but harmful content.
Justice Gedela remarked that not all content involving public figures can be removed unless it is overtly offensive. Anand further detailed offensive materials, including altered images implying Kapoor was selling a popular snack in a questionable context. He emphasized, “Nobody, not even an ordinary person, would appreciate that.”
The Court responded by stating that typically, only disparaging or defamatory content garners attention. It noted that the average person does not seek legal recourse for such issues, hinting at the complexities faced by celebrities in the public eye. The court also heard from representatives of Google LLC and indicated that a detailed interim order would follow soon.
Past rulings have provided similar protections to various public figures, including Allu Arjun and Karan Johar. This case highlights ongoing discussions around the rights of personalities in the digital age and the challenges they face from the misuse of technology.
