The Delhi High Court has provided substantial legal protection to actor and entrepreneur Vivek Oberoi by issuing an injunction against the unauthorized use of his name, image, voice, and other aspects of his identity.

This ruling comes in response to Oberoi’s petition concerning the rampant misuse of his identity across various digital platforms and commercial products. The decision highlights the judiciary’s increasing acknowledgment of personality and publicity rights, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence and online impersonation.

Details of the Lawsuit

In a lawsuit filed in early February, Oberoi sought legal action against multiple entities allegedly exploiting his identity without permission through fake social media accounts, AI-generated images, and altered content. The case was reviewed by Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, who noted that Oberoi’s established career and public profile lend significant goodwill and reputation that merit legal protection.

Court’s Directions and Provisions

The interim order from the Delhi High Court prohibits any unauthorized commercial or personal use of Oberoi’s identity, extending to his name, image, likeness, voice, and signature. This injunction is applicable across various technology platforms, including those involving AI, deepfakes, and face-morphing applications. Furthermore, major online platforms such as YouTube, Meta Platforms, and X Corp have been instructed to remove links to infringing content within 72 hours of notification.

The court has also banned the unauthorized creation and sale of merchandise, including posters and T-shirts that utilize Oberoi’s persona without permission for commercial purposes. The presiding judge emphasized that a lack of timely relief could lead to irreparable damage to Oberoi’s reputation, indicating that a public figure’s identity should not be commodified for others’ gain without explicit consent.

Claims Within the Petition

Oberoi’s petition elaborates on how various fake accounts were established on platforms like Instagram, misusing his name and photographs. These accounts reportedly disseminated deepfake content, described in the lawsuit as misleading and inappropriate. The petition also highlights the existence of unauthorized merchandise and online listings that exploit his likeness for commercial profit without his consent.

Oberoi welcomed the court’s decision, stating that protecting one’s identity in the digital age is crucial. He expressed hope that the ruling will serve as a deterrent to those seeking to misuse personal images and likenesses online, reinforcing that public figures are entitled to control how their persona is used commercially and digitally.

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