Delhi HC Safeguards Pawan Kalyan's Personality Rights Amid Growing Concerns of AI-Driven Commercial Exploitation
Image Source: Internet
In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has protected the personality rights of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan by temporarily restraining several websites and online platforms from using his name or images for commercial gain without his consent. The court's decision, passed on December 22, comes in response to a plea filed by Kalyan, who is a well-known actor and public figure. The court noted that the defendant entities, including e-commerce websites, were using Kalyan's personality traits, voice, name, and likeness without his consent to sell merchandise and exploit his image for commercial purposes. The court also directed social media accounts impersonating Kalyan to add a description mentioning 'fan account' in their profiles, amid concerns that some accounts were misusing his name and image. This ruling is part of a growing trend, where several Bollywood and Telugu celebrities, including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, and Nagarjuna, have sought protection for their personality and publicity rights. The high court has granted them interim relief, highlighting the increasing need for safeguarding one's image and likeness in the digital age. The use of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology has raised concerns about the potential for commercial exploitation, and the court's decision serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting one's personality rights. The matter will be further heard on May 12.
