Tabu moves Delhi HC for protection of personality rights, alleges AI-driven identity misuse

Veteran actor Tabu has moved the Delhi High Court seeking legal protection for her personality and publicity rights, alleging that her name, image, likeness and other identifying attributes have been used without authorisation, including through artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content and digital impersonation. 

The plea reflects growing concerns over the misuse of public figures' identities in the digital age, particularly with the rise of deepfakes, fake endorsements and AI-generated content that can imitate celebrities without their consent.

Court seeks corrections in pleadings

The matter came up before Justice Jyoti Singh, who noted discrepancies in the documents filed on behalf of the actor. During the hearing, the court observed that the memo of parties contained incorrect details relating to some of the defendants.

Senior advocate Swathi Sukumar, appearing for Tabu, was directed to submit a fresh memo after the court stressed the importance of accurately identifying all parties for the proper adjudication of the case.

Following the direction, the High Court deferred further proceedings and listed the matter for hearing on August 6.

Concerns over digital misuse

According to the plea, Tabu has sought protection against the alleged unauthorised commercial exploitation of her identity and likeness, including their use in AI-generated material and other forms of digital impersonation.

The petition comes amid increasing concerns over the rapid growth of AI-powered tools capable of creating convincing fake images, videos and endorsements using the identities of well-known personalities.

Part of a wider legal trend

Tabu's petition is the latest in a series of personality rights cases being heard by the Delhi High Court as celebrities increasingly seek legal safeguards against the unauthorised use of their identities.

Several public figures have recently approached the court over similar concerns, including former cricketers Gautam Gambhir and Sunil Gavaskar; spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar; actors Arjun Kapoor, Allu Arjun, Nagarjuna, Varun Dhawan, Kajol, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Naga Chaitanya; singer Jubin Nautiyal; filmmaker Karan Johar; podcaster Raj Shamani; and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.

(With IANS inputs)