Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, one of India’s most celebrated actors, has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court seeking protection against the unauthorized use of her images and voice in inappropriate and pornographic content created with artificial intelligence tools.
According to reports in Indian media, Rai argued before the court that her likeness was being exploited without her knowledge or consent. She claimed that AI-generated content circulating online had misused her voice and photos in damaging ways.
Her counsel, senior advocate Sandeep Sethi, said during the hearing that certain online platforms were profiting from her name while misleading the public. He stressed that Rai’s image and voice had been manipulated and placed in content designed “to gratify sexual desires,” which he described as both distressing and unacceptable.
Sethi urged the court to step in immediately, asking for a directive to stop the misuse of his client’s identity. The petition highlights growing concerns around the potential abuse of AI technology, particularly in creating sexually explicit “deepfake” material involving public figures.
The court was told that the circulation of such content not only harms Rai’s reputation but also deceives unsuspecting viewers who may believe the videos and audio clips are authentic. The petition asks the judiciary to recognize the severity of the matter and ensure stricter enforcement against platforms that enable or distribute such content.
Rai’s move follows a series of legal challenges brought by other Indian film icons facing similar issues. Both Anil Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan have previously sought protection from courts after their likenesses and voices were misused in online content. These cases point to a rising trend of celebrities turning to legal remedies to safeguard their digital identities in the face of rapidly evolving technology.
The misuse of artificial intelligence to create explicit material has emerged as a global concern, with lawmakers and courts in many countries scrambling to keep pace with its implications. India’s courts are now increasingly being asked to address the rights of public figures whose reputations are at risk due to unauthorized AI-generated material.
While the case is still in its early stages, Rai’s petition signals her determination to fight back against the exploitation of her image. The outcome could also set an important precedent in India for how the legal system handles AI-related impersonation and content manipulation in the future.
