Delhi High Court protects cricketer Abhishek Sharma’s personality rights, orders removal of AI-generated fake content
The Delhi High Court has granted interim protection to cricketer Abhishek Sharma, ordering the removal of unauthorized AI-generated content and deepfakes. The ruling reinforces the personality and publicity rights of public figures against digital exploitation.
Why it matters
This case sets a legal precedent for how Indian courts handle the intersection of AI technology, digital privacy, and the commercial rights of celebrities.
The Delhi High Court has granted interim protection to Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma against the unauthorised use of his name, image and likeness, restraining social media accounts and online sellers from exploiting his personality through AI-generated content, deepfakes and unauthorised merchandise.
Justice Jyoti Singh, in an order passed on July 9, held that Mr. Sharma had established a prima facie case for protection of his personality and publicity rights.
Mr Sharma had filed the suit against various defendants, including unidentified persons, several Facebook, Instagram and X accounts.
The plea said that several social media accounts had been circulating AI-generated and morphed images depicting the cricketer in fabricated and obscene situations, while others allegedly spread false rumours through manipulated videos and captions. The plaintiff also alleged that several online merchants were selling T-shirts, jerseys, posters and photo frames carrying his name and likeness without authorisation.
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