Delhi High Court Orders Removal of AI-Generated Deepfake Videos of Journalist Rajat Sharma
The Delhi High Court ordered Google to remove two YouTube channels hosting AI-generated deepfake videos of journalist Rajat Sharma that were being used to spread misinformation. The court directed removal within 36 hours and instructed Google to prevent such deepfake content from being reuploaded.
What happened
Deepfake videos impersonating journalist Rajat Sharma were hosted on two YouTube channels. The videos were created using AI tools to modify and doctor his original videos with distorted, modified, and modulated images, voice, and personality traits.
The Delhi High Court on November 7, 2025 ordered Google LLC to remove the two YouTube channels within 36 hours and directed Google to provide the channels' contact details, KYC information, and monetisation data within one week.
Reported impact
The deepfake videos were being used to spread false information and misguidance to the public using Rajat Sharma's name and face, constituting gross misinformation and wrongful use of AI.
Index analysis
The court accepted Rajat Sharma's affidavit confirming the videos were edited, doctored, and AI-generated impersonating him. Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora stated the court was satisfied that the plaintiff made out a case for issuance of takedown directions.
Governance controls
The court directed Rajat Sharma and Google to hold a joint meeting where the journalist can bring deepfake content to Google's attention. The court instructed Google under Rule 4(4) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 to prevent such deepfake content from being uploaded again and to ensure identical content is removed.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.