Akshay Kumar Fights Back: Seeks Bombay High Court’s Protection Against Deepfake Misuse to Defend His Legacy!
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has taken legal action to safeguard his personality rights against the growing threat of deepfake videos, AI-generated content, and counterfeit endorsements. The actor approached the Bombay High Court amid increasing concerns that unidentified individuals are misusing his likeness and voice to create misleading and harmful content across social media platforms.
In a hearing held on October 15, 2025, Justice Arif Doctor listened to the arguments presented by Kumar’s senior advocate, Birendra Saraf. Saraf expressed the urgency of the situation, asserting that the rapid proliferation of such infringements has made it challenging for Kumar to monitor or identify each violation. He stated, “The scale and speed of these infringements make it impossible for the Plaintiff to track each instance or identify each infringer contemporaneously.”
The ramifications of this misuse, according to Saraf, extend beyond Kumar himself, affecting his family and the general public. He highlighted the potential for fabricated clips-aligned with Kumar’s high profile-to provoke significant public reactions before any necessary clarifications could be issued. Saraf pointed to a viral trailer that falsely portrayed Kumar as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, which garnered approximately 2 million views before it was taken down due to public outrage.
Furthermore, another manipulated video that depicted Kumar making unsavory remarks about Rishi Valmiki incited protests in various regions, showcasing how these fabrications can have immediate and serious consequences on public sentiment. Saraf stressed that many of these impersonations utilize AI-driven platforms designed to replicate Kumar’s voice and image. One such platform reportedly offers an “AI Akshay Kumar V2 Voice” tool, allowing users to generate speech in his distinct tone from any text input.
The issue extends beyond mere impersonation; Saraf also noted the proliferation of obscene blogs, fake endorsements, and social media accounts that misuse Kumar’s photographs, digital stickers, and even merchandise falsely attributed to him. Some of this content reportedly emerges from the dark web, complicating efforts to trace and hold accountable those responsible.
Kumar’s petition is aimed at securing a permanent and mandatory John Doe injunction against unknown individuals, social media platforms, and websites to restrain any unauthorized exploitation of his name, image, voice, and other identifiable attributes. This proactive approach underscores the increasing necessity for public figures to protect their likenesses in an era where technology easily enables misuse.
With the entertainment industry increasingly intertwined with digital innovation, Kumar’s legal action highlights vital issues surrounding identity, privacy, and the consequences of digital misinformation. As the case develops, it serves as a crucial reminder for similar figures in the public eye about the importance of protecting their personal brands in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Published – October 16, 2025 03:28 am IST.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/actor-akshay-kumar-seeks-bombay-high-courts-protection-against-deepfake-misuse/article70168087.ece
Category : Mumbai
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Publish Date: 2025-10-16 03:28:00
