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Bollywood actress Tabu has secured legal protection against the unauthorized use of her name, image, voice and content created using artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology, with the Delhi High Court issuing an interim injunction to protect her personality and publicity rights.
A single-judge bench headed by Justice Jyoti Singh directed several digital platforms, including Google, Meta-owned Facebook and Instagram, X and Reddit, to promptly remove more than 150 unauthorized and misleading links featuring Tabu’s name and image.
Under the court’s order, Tabu’s real name, Tabassum Fatima Hashmi, her stage name “Tabu,” photographs, film stills, voice and signature cannot be used commercially without her permission.
The order also prohibits the unauthorized use of her face, voice or identity in content generated or manipulated through AI or deepfake technology. The court further barred the sale of products or merchandise using her name or image without authorization.
The legal action follows allegations that scenes from Tabu’s films and interviews had been manipulated using AI to create obscene and distorted content. Several other incidents also reportedly came to light, including fake Instagram accounts opened in her name, false bookings for appearances at events and fabricated statements attributed to the actress.
Tabu approached the court, arguing that such activities were damaging her long-established public image, reputation and personal dignity.
Following her petition, the court ordered digital platforms to take down the unauthorized material and prevent further misuse of her identity.
The case comes amid growing concerns among celebrities and other public figures worldwide over the misuse of AI and deepfake technology. The Delhi High Court’s order is being viewed as a significant development in protecting an individual’s identity, personality and publicity rights in the digital era.