Director Kusturica seeks ban on AI-generated deepfake video by TV Pink owner
Director Emir Kusturica sought to ban a video created by AI-generated deepfake technology that used his likeness and voice, allegedly putting false statements in his mouth. The video was broadcast by Pink TV in response to an opinion piece Kusturica published, and he requested prosecution and regulatory action against the broadcaster and its owner Željko Mitrović.
What happened
After director Emir Kusturica published an opinion piece titled 'Šta nam je, dakle, uradio Žeks?' (What has Žeks done to us?), Željko Mitrović, owner of Pink TV, responded with a video created using artificial intelligence that used Kusturica's likeness and voice.
The synthetic video depicted Kusturica allegedly discussing incidents from Ribnikar and Mladenovac, mentioning a child killer and Uroš Blažić, according to Kusturica's legal representatives.
Reported impact
Kusturica's legal team characterized the video as defamatory, stating the deepfake falsely attributed statements to Kusturica that he did not make and depicted actions he did not perform.
The lawyers argued that the video was not satire or artistic expression but illegal conduct contrary to public interest.
Index analysis
Kusturica's legal representatives noted that unlawful use of artificial intelligence to create false and fabricated deepfakes has been recognized in many countries as socially dangerous to democratic society, fundamental human rights, and citizen security.
Governance controls
Kusturica requested that the Special Department for High-Tech Crime of Belgrade's Higher Public Prosecutor's Office open proceedings and demand removal of the deepfake video.
He also requested that the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM) open proceedings against Pink TV and that the Higher Court in Belgrade issue a temporary measure prohibiting Mitrović from further broadcasting or making the synthetic audio and visual content publicly available.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.