Bollywood star Anil Kapoor triumphs in court against unauthorised AI use of likeness

Bollywood superstar Anil Kapoor has secured a significant legal victory in his fight against the unauthorised use of his image and persona in artificial intelligence (AI) creations. The Delhi High Court issued an interim John Doe order aimed at safeguarding Kapoor's personality and publicity rights, setting a precedent for the protection of celebrity rights in India's burgeoning digital landscape.

Court blocks unauthorised commercial exploitation

Under the leadership of Justice Prathiba M Singh, the court's order is a decisive step to curtail the misuse of Anil Kapoor's identity for commercial purposes. Unauthorised entities are now expressly prohibited from exploiting Kapoor's name, voice, image, or dialogue for monetary gains, which includes preventing the creation of merchandise and ringtones featuring his likeness. Kapoor's iconic catchphrase, "jhakaas," is also now shielded by the court order.

Speaking about the verdict, Anil Kapoor emphasised the broader implications, stating, "It's not only for me. Today, I'm there to protect myself, but when I'm not there, the family should have the right to protect my [personality] and gain from it in the future."

AI manipulation & domain blockades addressed

Recognising the potential misuse of AI tools to manipulate Kapoor's image, the court extended its protection to GIFs and other digital creations bearing his likeness for monetary purposes. Domains, such as Anilkapoor.com, have been ordered to be immediately suspended and blocked.

Furthermore, the court directed the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) to issue a blocking order specifically targeting pornographic content that uses morphed images of the actor, addressing a significant concern raised by Kapoor.

Setting a Precedent for Celebrity Rights Anil Kapoor's lawsuit follows a similar case involving veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan in the previous year, where the Delhi High Court issued an interim order. These rulings collectively underscore the significance of respecting and upholding the personal and publicity rights of public figures in an era dominated by artificial intelligence.

This landmark verdict not only safeguards Anil Kapoor's legacy but also paves the way for enhanced protection of celebrity rights in India's rapidly evolving digital landscape. It reinforces the idea that celebrities should have full control over how their likeness is used in the digital realm, setting a precedent that could have far-reaching implications for the entertainment industry in the years to come.