Justice Vikas Mahajan restrains the unauthorised use of the actor and BJP MP’s identity. The Court directs Meta Platforms to remove identified infringing content and orders measures to block specified websites.
Delhi High Court Grants Interim Protection to Kangana Ranaut
The Delhi High Court has granted interim protection in the Kangana Ranaut Personality Rights case. The order safeguards the actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament against unauthorised exploitation of her identity.
The protection covers her name, image, voice and other personality attributes. It also extends to AI-generated deepfakes, manipulated videos, fabricated speeches and false endorsements.
Justice Vikas Mahajan passed the interim order after examining Ranaut’s allegations.
The Court directed Meta Platforms to remove and permanently take down the identified infringing content. It also instructed the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Department of Telecommunications to take appropriate action.
The ministries must direct internet and telecom service providers to block access to the identified infringing websites within the same period specified in the order.
Court Recognises Exclusive Rights Over Personality Attributes
The High Court observed that Ranaut’s public stature gives her proprietary rights over her personality and associated attributes.
These rights allow her to control the commercial use of her identity. They also protect her against unauthorised exploitation.
The Court clarified that such protection extends to content created or altered through artificial intelligence.
This includes sexually explicit material, morphed images and AI-generated deepfakes that misuse her identity.
The Court specifically recognised her right to protection against such material.
It observed that these safeguards cover instances involving AI-generated, morphed, sexual and explicit deepfakes.
Suit Alleges Fake Statements and Manipulated Images
Ranaut approached the High Court after discovering allegedly fabricated content circulating across social media platforms and websites.
Her suit identified manipulated videos, morphed photographs, fabricated statements and AI-generated material that falsely portrayed her.
According to Ranaut, certain digitally altered images and videos depicted her in inappropriate situations.
Other material falsely attributed statements and opinions to her. Some content also portrayed her as participating in events that had never occurred.
Ranaut argued that these activities violated her personality and publicity rights. She also cited violations of her right to identity and dignity.
She further contended that the material could mislead the public and damage her reputation.
High Court Flags Deceptive AI-Generated Content
The Court examined the material that Ranaut submitted in support of her allegations.
It found that the identified content included prima facie obscene, morphed and sexually explicit material. The creators had allegedly used artificial intelligence without her authorisation.
The Court held that such content warranted removal.
It also examined manipulated audio-visual material that falsely portrayed Ranaut making statements or expressing opinions.
Some AI-generated content suggested her involvement in activities that had never taken place.
The Court described such material as inherently deceptive.
It observed that ordinary viewers could mistake manipulated content for genuine photographs, videos or statements.
The Court expressed particular concern about content combining Ranaut’s image and public designation with fabricated quotations.
Such material could spread misinformation while creating a false impression of authenticity.
Court Finds Strong Prima Facie Case for Injunction
The High Court concluded that Ranaut had established a strong prima facie case for interim protection.
It also found that the balance of convenience favoured her.
The Court noted that continued circulation of the disputed material could cause immediate harm to her reputation and personality rights.
It further observed that monetary compensation might not adequately remedy such damage.
Accordingly, the Court granted an interim injunction against the defendants, including unidentified persons.
The order restrains them from creating, publishing, reproducing, disseminating, hosting or otherwise exploiting Ranaut’s personality attributes without authorisation.
Restrictions Cover Deepfakes and False Endorsements
The injunction addresses several forms of digital impersonation and identity misuse.
It prohibits the creation and circulation of AI-generated deepfakes, synthetic media and manipulated audio or video recordings depicting Ranaut without authorisation.
The restrictions also cover fabricated speeches, false endorsements and impersonation material.
The Court further restrained the defendants from creating or operating misleading digital accounts.
These include social media pages, profiles, channels, websites and other digital assets.
The restrictions apply when such platforms falsely suggest Ranaut’s association, affiliation, endorsement or authorisation.
The order therefore addresses both the misuse of genuine personality attributes and fabricated representations of her identity.
Kangana Ranaut Personality Rights: Scope of Interim Protection
The Delhi High Court’s interim order addresses the unauthorised digital exploitation of Ranaut’s identity.
It covers AI-generated deepfakes, fabricated statements, false endorsements and misleading online profiles.
The Court’s directions also require action against identified infringing content and websites.
The ruling highlights the legal concerns surrounding AI-generated impersonation and the misuse of personality attributes.
Through the interim injunction, the Court has sought to prevent further unauthorised exploitation while the suit remains pending.
