Varun Dhawan Seeks Protection Of Personality Rights; Delhi HC Issues Interim Injunction

Varun Dhawan has obtained interim protection from the Delhi High Court against the misuse of his identity online. The order comes amid increasing worries over deepfakes and unauthorised digital content involving celebrities. Dhawan is the latest Bollywood star to seek legal safeguards for his personality rights, with the Delhi High Court issuing an interim order against the unauthorised use of his identity across social media and digital platforms. The court directed the removal of objectionable and exploitative content involving the actor.

Varun Dhawan Seeks Protection Of Personality Rights

In a significant relief for Dhawan, the single-judge bench of Justice Jyoti Singh also instructed social media intermediaries to ensure that the actor’s name, image, and voice are not misused “in any form or manner whatsoever.” The protection covers deepfake images, obscene links, and other offensive material allegedly circulated online without his consent.

The interim order was passed after Dhawan approached the court over the misuse of his personality attributes online. According to the directions issued, platforms hosting such content must remove it. They should take steps to prevent further circulation through digital and media channels.

The court’s order specifically addresses deepfake content created without the actor’s permission, along with unauthorised commercial exploitation linked to unidentified parties, referred to in legal terms as ‘John Doe’ defendants. This case underscores the rising concerns within the entertainment industry over the misuse of celebrity identities through artificial intelligence tools, manipulated visuals, and unauthorised promotional material.

Which Other Celebrities Have Sought Personality Rights Protection?

Dhawan joins an expanding list of actors who have approached the Delhi High Court seeking safeguards against online misuse of their identities and likenesses. In recent years, the court has granted similar protections to Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Arjun Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, and Jackie Shroff. These legal protections generally aim to prevent unauthorised commercial use, misleading endorsements, manipulated content, and offensive material involving celebrities without their consent.

Why Are Personality Rights Becoming Important?

The rise of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology has heightened concerns about identity misuse. This applies specifically to public figures whose images and voices are widely circulated online. Legal experts and industry stakeholders have repeatedly voiced concerns about the rapid spread of fabricated content. It includes morphed visuals and fake endorsements. These can harm reputations and lead to financial exploitation.

With the latest order in his favour, Dhawan has become another prominent actor to secure judicial intervention against the unauthorised use of his personality and digital identity.

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Also Read: Abhijeet Bhattacharya SLAMS Chunnari Chunnari Remake; Says, “Varun Dhawan Iss Gaane Se Salman Khan Nahi Ban Sakta”

Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.