Artificial intelligence and deepfake technology are becoming an increasing concern for celebrities, and actor Tabu is the latest public figure to seek legal protection. The veteran actor has moved the Delhi High Court, alleging that her identity has been used without permission across digital platforms. Her petition seeks safeguards against the unauthorized use of her name, photographs, likeness and other identifying attributes, including AI-generated content and digital impersonation.
The case adds to a growing list of legal battles involving public figures who claim their identities are being commercially exploited online. As AI tools become more accessible, celebrities have increasingly voiced concerns over fabricated endorsements, manipulated videos and other forms of digital misuse that can mislead audiences and damage reputations.
Delhi High Court asks Tabu to correct court filings
The matter came up before Justice Jyoti Singh, who reviewed the petition but did not proceed with the hearing after identifying issues in the documents submitted on the actor’s behalf. According to reports, the court found discrepancies in the paperwork and noted that the memo of parties filed by Tabu did not contain complete and accurate details required for the proceedings.
Senior advocate Swathi Sukumar, appearing for the actor, has now been directed to file a fresh memo with the correct particulars. The court also stressed the importance of providing accurate information about all parties involved so that appropriate legal action can be considered and the matter can be properly adjudicated. Following these directions, the case has been listed for hearing on August 6.
Although the hearing was deferred, Tabu’s petition reflects the growing urgency with which celebrities are approaching courts to address the misuse of their identities in the digital era. Her plea focuses on preventing the commercial exploitation of her image and protecting her personality and publicity rights from unauthorized online use.
Petition highlights concerns over AI and digital impersonation
According to the petition, Tabu has objected to the alleged unauthorized use of her name, photographs, likeness and other identifiable features. The legal action also raises concerns over AI-generated material, digital impersonation and other forms of online misuse that could falsely associate the actor with content or endorsements she has never approved.
The issue has become increasingly significant as generative AI tools have made it easier to create realistic images, videos and voice recordings of public personalities. Legal experts have noted that such technology can be misused for fake advertisements, misleading promotional campaigns and deceptive social media content, prompting more celebrities to seek judicial protection over their identity rights.
In India, courts have increasingly recognised personality and publicity rights as an important aspect of protecting public figures from unauthorized commercial exploitation. Several recent rulings have also addressed the misuse of celebrity names, voices and likenesses in AI-generated and digitally manipulated content, reflecting the judiciary’s evolving approach to emerging technologies.
More celebrities are taking legal action
Tabu is not the only actor to raise concerns over AI-driven identity misuse. Earlier this week, actor Mrunal Thakur publicly warned those creating or circulating deepfake content using her identity. In a statement shared on social media, she said, “Creating or sharing deepfake content using my likeness is illegal and unacceptable. Consider this your formal notice to stop immediately. Any further misuse of my identity will result in legal action.”
Over the past few years, several other actors have also approached courts seeking protection against the unauthorized use of their names, images or voices. Celebrities including Akshay Kumar, Varun Dhawan, Anil Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty, Preity Zinta, Kartik Aaryan and Suniel Shetty have taken legal steps after alleging that AI-generated content or digital impersonation was exploiting their identities without consent.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape online content creation, disputes surrounding personality rights are becoming increasingly common. Tabu’s petition is another reminder that the entertainment industry is pushing for stronger legal safeguards to ensure emerging technology is not used to exploit the identity of artists without their knowledge or permission.
