The Bombay High Court ordered the takedown of AI-generated deepfake content related to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and sought user data of all account holders involved, according to medianama.com. The court also mandated removal of future flagged content and directed platforms like Meta and Google to comply immediately with the takedown order.
Justice Arif Doctor issued the order following a plea by Gadkari concerning abusive and vile deepfake videos about the controversial E20 Ethanol-blended fuel policy he advocates. The court criticized Google’s counsel for their stance on content removal, emphasizing that intermediaries should have mechanisms to act without court intervention. The order requires platforms to provide basic subscriber information of users who posted the flagged content.
This ruling highlights increasing judicial scrutiny over AI-generated misinformation and deepfake content in India, especially involving public figures and sensitive policy issues. It underscores the legal responsibilities of digital platforms to monitor and remove harmful AI-manipulated media swiftly. The case aligns with global concerns over deepfake misuse and the need for regulatory frameworks to protect individuals’ reputations and public discourse integrity.
The Bombay High Court’s order was issued this week, with Justice Doctor directing immediate takedown and data disclosure. Platforms Meta and Google have appeared in court and are required to comply with the order, marking a significant legal precedent in India’s approach to AI-generated content regulation.