Summary

Indian actor Anil Kapoor has obtained a court order against the unauthorized use of AI-generated deepfakes based on his likeness and persona. The New Delhi court issued an interim order prohibiting 16 defendants from exploiting Kapoor’s name, image, or other aspects of his identity for commercial purposes without permission.

Introduction

Anil Kapoor, a popular Bollywood star, took legal action in response to the widespread use of distorted videos, GIFs, and emojis featuring his appearance. The misuse of his catchphrase also prompted Kapoor to seek legal recourse. The court’s decision aims to establish protections for celebrities’ economic value and sets an early precedent for protecting the rights of individuals in relation to their face and persona.

Main Points

The court order prevents unauthorized users from utilizing Kapoor’s persona and likeness for commercial gain, including in merchandise, ringtones, and videos. Justice Prathiba Singh emphasized the right to privacy and the importance of celebrities’ endorsement rights, which can be a significant source of livelihood.

The proliferation of generative AI technology has raised concerns regarding the creation of convincing deepfakes. Companies like Google have updated their policies to ensure that synthetic media, including deepfakes, is marked as such in political ads. However, deepfake videos and synthetically generated songs with celebrity voices continue to deceive and attract substantial viewership and listenership.

To combat illicit deepfake creation, legal measures and regulations at the national and international levels may be necessary. The court’s decision in Kapoor’s case helps establish a precedent for those seeking to protect their economic and personal rights from AI-generated deepfakes.

Conclusion

Anil Kapoor’s court victory against unauthorized AI deepfakes reinforces the importance of protecting celebrities’ likeness and persona from exploitation. The decision sets an early precedent and raises awareness of the need for regulations regarding the creation and use of deepfakes. With ongoing concerns surrounding the deceptive nature of deepfakes, extensive legal measures may be required to prevent their illicit use.