Delhi High Court Shields Kangana Ranaut From AI Deepfakes and False Content

The Delhi High Court has issued an interim order protecting Kangana Ranaut's personality rights from unauthorized exploitation, including AI-generated deepfakes, manipulated videos, and false quotes. Justice Vikas Mahajan passed the ruling in response to a lawsuit filed by the actor and BJP Member of Parliament against Meta Platforms and other parties.

The court's order prohibits defendants from creating, publishing, or sharing content that uses Ranaut's name, image, voice, or likeness without permission. This protection extends to synthetic media, fabricated speeches, false endorsements, and impersonation content that falsely depicts the public figure.

Meta has been directed to remove identified infringing content within 72 hours of receiving the order. Additionally, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Department of Telecommunications must instruct internet and telecom service providers to block access to websites hosting such material within two weeks.

In its observations, the court acknowledged that Ranaut's public status grants her proprietary rights over her personality and associated attributes, including control over their commercial use. The ruling noted that manipulated content could mislead audiences into believing she made statements or participated in activities that never occurred.

The interim protection remains in effect as the case continues through the legal process.