Court Restrains Defendants From Exploiting Public Figure's Likeness Through AI-Generated Content Without Consent
In a landmark decision, the Delhi High Court has issued an interim injunction against Sambhawaami Studios LLP and others, restraining them from using or exploiting the likeness, voice, and identity of Mr. Akira Desai, also known as Akira Nandan, through AI-generated content without his consent. The court emphasized that such unauthorized use constitutes a serious violation of privacy, personality rights, and copyright laws.
The case, filed by Mr. Desai, highlighted the unauthorized creation and dissemination of AI-generated content that features his likeness and identity, including a full-length AI movie portraying him in the lead role without consent. This content was alleged to infringe on his right to privacy and personality rights, leading to potential harm to his reputation and goodwill.
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, presiding over the case, underscored the importance of protecting personal autonomy and reputation, especially in the digital age where AI technologies can easily manipulate personal attributes. The court granted an ex parte ad interim injunction, prohibiting the defendants from creating, publishing, or disseminating any content utilizing Mr. Desai's persona and ordered the immediate takedown of infringing material from online platforms.
The judgment also referenced previous cases, including DM Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. v. Baby Gift House and Ranganathan Madhawan v. G Filmz Studioz, reinforcing the need to safeguard individuals’ publicity rights and prevent the misuse of AI technologies. The court’s decision sends a clear message about the legal consequences of unauthorized exploitation of personal identity in digital content creation.
The court’s ruling is a significant step in addressing the challenges posed by AI technologies in personal rights infringement and sets a precedent for similar cases in the future.
Bottom Line:
Right to Privacy and Personality Rights - Use of AI-generated and morphed content involving a public figure without consent constitutes violation of privacy, personality rights, and copyright.
Statutory provision(s): Right to Privacy, Personality Rights, Copyright Infringement, Interim Relief, Judicial Precedents
Mr. Akira Desai Alias Akira Nandan v. Sambhawaami Studios LLP, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2844213
