The Delhi High Court has delivered a significant verdict concerning Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The court has clarified that no website, YouTube channel, or online platform can use her name, image, voice, or any form of AI-generated content without her permission.
Delhi High Court on Aishwarya: Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan recently filed a petition in the Delhi High Court, seeking a ban on the unauthorized use of her name, image, voice, and any AI-generated content. The court has now issued an interim order in her favor, clarifying that no individual, website, social media platform, or online channel can use any digital or AI-generated content of her name, photograph, or voice without her consent.
High Court's Order
The bench, led by Justice Tejas Karai, stated in its order that the misuse of celebrities' identities not only hurts their dignity and respect but can also cause economic and social harm. The court clarified that if immediate restrictions were not imposed, it would not only affect the reputation of Aishwarya Rai and her family but also violate her personality rights. The court considered this step a significant precedent for protecting personal and public identity in the digital age.
What did Aishwarya Rai say in her petition?
The actress's petition alleged that several websites and e-commerce platforms were using her name and image without authorization. Furthermore, obscene and inappropriate content generated using AI technology under her name was being spread on the internet. The petition also stated that such content was not only affecting her personal life but also causing severe damage to her career and social image.
What are Personality Rights (Right to Publicity)?
Personality rights, or the Right to Publicity, grant any individual complete control over their name, voice, image, style, or identity. This means that no other person or entity can commercially use these without permission. Aishwarya Rai had sought protection of these rights from the court and demanded strict action against those who violate them.
In the digital world, incidents of misuse of personal identity are increasing due to AI and Deepfake technology. This has become a serious problem in both Bollywood and Hollywood.
