Delhi High Court Orders Removal of AI Deepfakes Targeting Spiritual Leader
The Delhi High Court granted an injunction against the creation and distribution of AI-generated deepfake videos, images, and voice-cloned content impersonating spiritual leader Dr. Aniruddha Dhairyadhar Joshi. The court found that unknown individuals had created and circulated fabricated content on social media platforms that misled viewers and harmed the spiritual leader's reputation and credibility.
What happened
Unknown individuals used advanced AI tools to create deepfake videos and images falsely depicting Dr. Aniruddha Dhairyadhar Joshi, a well-known spiritual leader, delivering sermons, endorsing products, and interacting with followers.
These fabricated videos and voice-cloned content were widely circulated on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, garnering significant public engagement and misleading viewers into believing them to be authentic.
Reported impact
The unauthorised use of the spiritual leader's name, voice, image, and mannerisms diluted the credibility and trust associated with him.
The content misled the public regarding the authenticity of the depicted interactions and endorsements.
Index analysis
The Delhi High Court noted that the plaintiff made out a strong prima facie case, observing that his personality, reputation, and goodwill built over decades of spiritual teachings were being unlawfully exploited through fabricated content.
The Court held that failure to grant immediate relief would cause irreparable harm that cannot be compensated monetarily.
Governance controls
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela granted an ex-parte ad-interim injunction restraining the defendants from using or exploiting the plaintiff's identity through any medium, including AI-generated or deepfake content.
The High Court directed major social media platforms including Google, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X to remove the unauthorised deepfake content.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.