‘Deeply disturbing and unlawful’: Actress Nivetha Thomas on AI-generated images misusing her identity

Actor Nivetha Thomas has flagged the circulation of AI-generated images misusing her identity, describing the practice as unlawful and a serious violation of privacy. The actor took to social media to call out a manipulated image that has been widely shared online, urging users not to engage with or amplify such content.

In a strongly worded post on X, Nivetha said she had become aware that AI-generated images, along with a photograph she had recently shared on her social media, were being misused.

“The creation and circulation of such content without consent is deeply disturbing, unacceptable, and unlawful. I am putting this on record. Those responsible, including accounts operating behind anonymity, are directed to immediately stop and take down such content,” she wrote, adding that such acts amount to digital impersonation and constitute a grave invasion of her privacy. The actor also warned that legal action could be pursued against those responsible.

Nivetha’s statement comes amid growing concern among actors over the misuse of artificial intelligence to create manipulated images and videos, often without consent.

Last day, actor Sreeleela also spoke out on the issue in a separate post, cautioning against the unethical use of AI-generated content. She appealed to users not to encourage what she termed “AI-generated nonsense,” and highlighted the thin line between responsible use of technology and its abuse.

She wrote, "I put my hands together and request every social media user not to support Al-generated nonsense. There is a difference between using and abusing technology. Advancements in technology are meant to simplify life, not complicate it, in my opinion."

Nivetha Thomas’s Full Post:

“It has come to my attention that AI-generated images misusing my identity and a recent photograph I shared on my social media are being circulated online.

The creation and circulation of such content without consent is deeply disturbing, unacceptable, and unlawful. It constitutes digital impersonation and a serious invasion of my privacy.

I am putting this on record. Those responsible, including accounts operating behind anonymity, are directed to immediately stop and take down such content.

I urge others to recognise the harm in enabling this behaviour. Do not reshare, engage with, or legitimise such material in any form.

Any continued circulation will be treated as deliberate misuse of my identity and escalated legally.”