Preity Zinta Files Petition In Bombay High Court Over AI Deepfake Content Concerns

Actor and IPL franchise co-owner Preity Zinta has approached the Bombay High Court seeking legal protection against alleged misuse of her identity through AI-generated deepfakes, morphed images, and unauthorised digital content circulating across online platforms. The case has drawn attention to the growing legal and ethical challenges surrounding artificial intelligence-driven impersonation and digital identity misuse. The matter was heard by the court on July 3.

In her petition, Preity has named Google LLC, Meta Platforms Inc., domain name registrars, several identified individuals, and John Doe defendants, enabling action against unknown persons allegedly involved in creating or distributing such content. The plea claims that AI-generated videos, fake images, and chatbot-style interactions using her likeness have been widely circulated on platforms including YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook without her consent. The actor has argued that this violates her personality rights, moral rights, and right to privacy.

Representing Preity, senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond told the court that advancements in artificial intelligence have made deepfakes increasingly realistic, making it difficult for users to distinguish between authentic and fabricated content. The legal team sought urgent directions for the removal of specific infringing URLs and requested broader safeguards to prevent the continued creation and spread of similar AI-generated material. They also alleged that her name and image were being used in fake advertisements and promotional content for commercial gain.

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Lawyers appearing for Google and Meta submitted before the court that the platforms are willing to remove content identified as morphed or obscene, provided the petitioner supplies specific URLs for action. However, they opposed any sweeping directive requiring continuous monitoring or blanket takedowns, arguing that some of the material cited in the petition may not be objectionable. A domain registrar named in the case clarified its limited role, stating that it only registers domain names and does not host online content.

Hearing the matter, Justice Madhav Jamdar observed that any judicial direction must strike a balance between removing harmful content and preserving legitimate online expression. The court noted the complexity of regulating AI-generated material, where distinguishing between real and fake content can be difficult due to scale and similarity. It directed all parties to engage in discussions and develop a practical mechanism for targeted takedowns without affecting lawful content. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 6.

The case adds to a growing number of similar petitions filed by Indian celebrities seeking protection against digital impersonation. Public figures including Kartik Aaryan, Shatrughan Sinha, Shilpa Shetty, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Asha Bhosle, and Arijit Singh have previously approached courts over unauthorised use of their names and likeness online. The court had earlier permitted Preity to file the suit under Clause XII of the Letters Patent, noting that although the content may originate globally, its reputational impact is felt in Mumbai.

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