MUMBAI: In the age of artificial intelligence, even reality is fighting for copyright. Actor and entrepreneur Preity Zinta is preparing to take on some of the world’s biggest technology companies after securing permission from the Bombay High Court to file a civil suit over the alleged misuse of her identity in AI-generated content.
The case, which targets Google LLC, Meta Platforms, X Corp and other digital entities, marks the latest flashpoint in the growing battle between public figures and artificial intelligence. At the centre of the dispute are deepfake videos, digitally altered images, memes and chatbot personas that allegedly used Zinta’s likeness without her consent.
Justice Abhay Ahuja granted leave on 16 June, allowing the actor to formally pursue legal action before the Bombay High Court. Zinta is seeking both legal protection against the continued circulation of the content and monetary compensation for the alleged damage caused to her reputation and commercial interests.
According to a report by India Today, Zinta’s legal team argued that her public image, professional goodwill and commercial identity are intrinsically linked to Mumbai, establishing the court’s jurisdiction despite several of the companies being headquartered outside the city.
The court was told that the disputed content has been widely disseminated online, making it accessible to audiences across geographies and amplifying its potential impact. Her counsel further argued that any alleged infringement affects her reputation in Mumbai, where she maintains a significant personal and professional presence.
The lawsuit arrives at a time when concerns around AI-generated content are intensifying globally. Advances in generative AI have made it easier than ever to create convincing digital replicas of celebrities, public figures and ordinary individuals, often blurring the line between fact and fabrication.
As deepfakes become more sophisticated and widely available, courts around the world are increasingly being asked to weigh issues of consent, privacy, image rights and accountability in the digital age.
For celebrities, the challenge extends beyond reputation management. Their likeness has become a commercial asset, and unauthorised AI-generated content can potentially dilute brand value, mislead audiences and create lasting reputational risks.
With the Bombay High Court now clearing the path for the case to proceed, Zinta’s lawsuit could become one of India’s most closely watched legal battles involving artificial intelligence, identity rights and the responsibilities of technology platforms in an era where anyone’s image can be recreated with a few clicks.
