Bombay High Court Orders Removal of Akshay Kumar AI-Generated Video, Flags Deepfake Concerns

The Bombay High Court has directed the removal of an AI-generated video featuring Akshay Kumar portraying Maharishi Valmiki, calling it “truly alarming.” The ruling also addresses other deepfake content circulating online, highlighting the legal and ethical challenges posed by AI-manipulated media. The decision signals growing judicial attention on protecting public figures’ rights and preventing misinformation, a concern increasingly relevant in India’s digital and social media landscape, including Tier 2 cities.

Details of the Court Order

The court observed that AI-generated deepfakes can mislead audiences, distort public perception, and potentially harm reputations. The order requires platforms hosting such content to take immediate action to remove these videos. Legal experts note that this sets a precedent for stricter oversight of synthetic media in India, balancing creative freedom with accountability.

Deepfake Technology and Its Risks

AI tools can now realistically recreate faces, voices, and actions, making deepfakes hard to distinguish from real footage. While such technology has creative applications in entertainment, its misuse raises risks of defamation, misinformation, and cultural insensitivity. The Maharishi Valmiki video controversy underscores these dangers and the importance of regulatory measures.

Implications for Digital Platforms

The ruling places responsibility on social media and content-sharing platforms to monitor and remove misleading AI-generated content. This emphasizes the need for robust verification mechanisms and content moderation strategies, especially as digital penetration grows in smaller cities, where misinformation can spread rapidly.

Conclusion

The Bombay High Court’s intervention reflects the urgent need to address deepfake misuse in India. It serves as a warning to content creators and platforms alike, reinforcing that technological innovation must be balanced with ethical standards and legal safeguards to protect individuals and society from harmful digital manipulation.