Bombay HC grants Preity Zinta interim relief against AI deepfakes and persona misuse
Actress Preity Zinta has received an interim injunction from the Bombay High Court, preventing the misuse of her name, image, and voice in AI-generated deepfakes, chatbots, and merchandise without consent.
The Bombay High Court has granted actress Preity Zinta an interim injunction to protect her identity from misuse in AI-generated content, including deepfakes, chatbots, and unauthorized merchandise. The order directs major tech platforms to block access to infringing online content.
Justice Madhav J. Jamdar's ruling acknowledged a strong prima facie case, stating that AI-generated material violated Zinta's personality rights, publicity rights, and moral rights under copyright law. The court further noted that these personality rights stem from fundamental constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and expression.
Zinta's legal team presented evidence such as deepfake videos, manipulated photographs, AI voice simulations, and chatbot personas designed to resemble the actress. Some of this content was described as misleading, defamatory, or objectionable.
The court's directive specifically prohibits an unnamed AI platform from creating characters based on Zinta or using her likeness. It also forbids the use of her name, image, voice, or other personal attributes without permission, whether through AI or other means. The ruling aims to curb the unauthorized commercial exploitation of her persona.
The case also involved allegations against Kash Collective for selling unauthorized merchandise featuring Zinta. This judicial intervention underscores the increasing legal challenges in protecting public figures' identities and rights in the age of advanced AI technologies and digital dissemination.