Delhi HC Directs Meta to Take Down Deepfake Content Featuring Journalist Rajat Sharma

The Delhi High Court (HC) has directed social media giant Meta to remove several deepfake videos allegedly featuring journalist Rajat Sharma.  

In its December 18 order, the HC instructed Meta to disclose the creators' details, including their names, addresses, and phone numbers, linked to the manipulated content. 

The court also issued an interim injunction, barring eight individuals and entities from using Sharma’s name, image, voice, or likeness through AI without his consent for any commercial or personal purposes.  

Justice Amit Bansal’s ruling upholds Sharma’s personality rights as the chairman and editor-in-chief of India TV. The order also allows Sharma to notify Meta of additional infringing content during the case proceedings, which Meta must promptly remove.  

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The court further directed the telecommunications department (DoT) and the electronics and IT ministry (MeitY) to instruct telcos and ISPs to block websites and platforms hosting such content upon notification. The next hearing is scheduled for April 3, 2025.  

In his plea Sharma argued that doctored videos falsely depicting him were being used to promote drugs for various ailments infringing his publicity and personality rights. He claimed these deepfakes could mislead consumers into purchasing potentially harmful products.  

The plea also flagged unauthorized use of India TV trademarks and the branding of Sharma’s show, Aaj Ki Baat, across eight Facebook URLs hosting the deepfakes.  

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This case adds to the growing legal precedence in India against deepfakes. Recently, the Bombay HC and Delhi HC issued similar injunctions to protect the personality rights of public figures like Arijit Singh, Jackie Shroff, and Anil Kapoor from misuse through AI-generated content.

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