Preity Zinta wins interim court relief against AI deepfakes, image misuse

Bombay High Court grants interim protection, citing fundamental rights amid concerns over AI-driven impersonation

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Photo: Preity G Zinta/Instagram

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Bollywood actor Preity Zinta has secured interim relief from the Bombay High Court in a lawsuit over the unauthorised use of her image, joining a growing number of Indian celebrities taking legal action to protect their personality and publicity rights, Indian media reported on Thursday.

Hearing the matter on Wednesday, the court observed that the unauthorised use of an individual's content directly affects their fundamental rights and granted interim protection in Zinta's favour.

The court also expressed concern over the role of those creating and distributing unlawful or offensive content, while reminding social media users and digital platforms of their obligation to exercise "due diligence" under India's Information Technology (IT) Rules.

Her counsel argued that AI-generated deepfakes, manipulated images and rendered visuals violated Zinta's privacy, personality and publicity rights. The suit sought to restrain both identified and unidentified individuals and websites from exploiting her identity without authorisation.

Zinta also requested protection for her name, nickname, photographs, physical likeness, voice, signature smile and distinctive features, including her trademark dimples.

In her petition, the actor said AI-generated content and chatbot-style interactions were impersonating her online. She further alleged that several domain names had been registered using her name without her knowledge or consent.

Granting immediate interim relief, the High Court said Zinta could approach online intermediaries, including Google, Meta and X, to seek the removal of infringing content. Should those platforms fail to act, she would be free to return to the court for further directions.

With the ruling, Zinta joins a growing list of Bollywood figures—including Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Jackie Shroff and Karan Johar—who have sought legal protection against the unauthorised commercial and digital exploitation of their identities.