The Bombay High Court (HC) has given relief to Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty by protecting her personality rights and ordering action against the misuse of her images and videos online. The court said that the content created using artificial intelligence without her permission was disturbing and unacceptable.
Shilpa Shetty approached the court after discovering that several online platforms and social media pages were sharing AI-generated and morphed images and videos of her. These visuals showed her in ways that she had never approved and which damaged her dignity and reputation. Some content also copied her facial features and expressions using modern technology.
A vacation bench of the Bombay High Court (HC) observed that such misuse of a person’s image is a serious matter. The court said that every individual has the right to control how their image, voice and identity are used. It added that no one should be shown in a false or misleading way, especially without consent.
The judges described the content involving Shilpa Shetty as “extremely disturbing and shocking”. They stated that allowing such material to remain online would violate her right to privacy and could mislead the public. The court clearly said that technology should not be used to harm someone’s personal or professional life.
As part of the order, the High Court directed websites and online platforms to remove and delete the objectionable content immediately. It also restrained unknown persons from creating or circulating similar material in the future using her name, image or likeness.
Shilpa Shetty’s legal team argued that a person’s identity is not a product that can be freely used by others. They said that such misuse, especially through artificial intelligence, can have serious emotional and social consequences.
This decision is seen as an important step in dealing with the growing problem of deepfake and AI-generated content. The court’s order sends a strong message that misuse of technology will not be tolerated and that personality rights must be respected.
The case highlights the need for stronger protection of individuals in the digital age, especially as new technologies continue to develop rapidly.