Delhi HC orders takedown of fake profiles, deepfakes using Vikas Divyakirti’s identity
The Delhi High Court has ordered social media platforms to remove deepfakes and unauthorized content misusing the identity of educator Vikas Divyakirti. The court is currently examining the responsibility of intermediaries regarding platform features that facilitate the creation of misleading content.
Why it matters
The case addresses the growing legal challenge of protecting personality rights against AI-generated deepfakes and the accountability of social media platforms.
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday (September 29, 2026) directed social media platforms to remove several fake profiles, channels and deepfake videos allegedly misusing the name, image and identity of Drishti IAS founder Vikas Divyakirti.
Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani passed the interim directions while hearing a suit filed by Mr. Divyakirti seeking protection against alleged unauthorised use of his identity online.
Senior Advocate Diya Kapur, appearing for Mr. Divyakirti, alleged that his image had been used in deepfake videos, including one promoting a betting platform. She also submitted that portions of his lectures were being selectively edited and re-captioned to create an impression different from the original.
The hearing also saw the court question Instagram’s feature that allows users to create a new reel using another person’s video. The judge said the issue required consideration.
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