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Kriti Sanon's Deepfakes: Court Orders URL Takedowns
4 Nov
Summary
- Delhi High Court ordered intermediaries to remove URLs with deepfakes.
- Court defined scope and nature of personality rights.
- Interim order bars AI-generated impersonations and merchandise.
The Delhi High Court has directed online intermediaries to remove or block access to specific URLs hosting content that allegedly impersonates actor Kriti Sanon. This material includes sexually explicit deepfakes, morphed images, and AI-generated content.
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav issued an interim order, prohibiting defendants from uploading or sharing any further content impersonating Sanon. The court also barred the presentation of chatbots or voice models as the actor and the sale of related merchandise.
Crucially, the court clarified that its order would not restrict legitimate news, reviews, or fan expression. It emphasized that "personality rights" are not a single cause of action but encompass various distinct claims like publicity, privacy, and defamation.
The court noted that while fame might influence commercial value, personality rights extend to all individuals, not just celebrities. Sanon's counsel highlighted misuse through AI, chatbots, and merchandise.
Regarding intermediaries' liability, the court referenced the IT Act, stating directions must identify specific unlawful material. The order will serve as actual knowledge for compliance with IT Rules on synthetically generated information.
The court held that pornographic deepfakes have "no expressive value at all" and ordered takedowns within prescribed IT Rules timelines. The matter is listed for December 10, 2026, with the suit for pleadings on December 21, 2026.
