Varun Dhawan has obtained interim relief from the Delhi High Court in a case related to unauthorized use of his identity online. The actor recently approached the court seeking to protect his personal rights amid the increasing circulation of deepfake content and objectionable material on digital platforms.According to India Today, the Delhi High Court has issued an interim order directing the removal of exploitative and offensive content involving the actor from social media and other online channels.The bench of single judge Jyoti Singh also directed intermediaries and digital platforms to ensure that Varun Dhawan’s name, image and voice are not misused “in any form or manner whatsoever”.
Court extends protections against deepfakes and fake content
The order is said to expand protections against deep visuals, obscene links, and other manipulated or offensive material that is allegedly circulated online without the actor’s consent.The court also directed platforms that host such content to remove it and take preventive measures to stop its circulation through digital and media channels.The temporary protection additionally covers unauthorized commercial exploitation associated with unidentified individuals, referred to in legal proceedings as “John Doe” defendants.
Concerns are growing over the misuse of artificial intelligence in Bollywood
This development once again underscores growing concerns within the entertainment industry regarding AI misuse of celebrities’ identities, including manipulated videos, morphed visuals and fake promotional content.
Varun Dhawan has now joined many Bollywood celebrities who have sought legal safeguards against misuse of their identity and image online.In the past, the Delhi High Court has granted similar protection to public figures such as Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, Arjun Kapoor, Kumar Sanu, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Jackie Shroff.These legal protections are generally intended to prevent misleading endorsements, unauthorized commercial use, and objectionable content involving celebrities without their consent.
