Actor Preity Zinta has taken legal action against the growing misuse of artificial intelligence and digital manipulation by approaching the Bombay High Court. The actress has sought protection of her personality rights, reputation and digital identity after allegedly discovering AI-generated deepfake videos, manipulated images and other content circulating online without her consent.
According to court proceedings, Preity Zinta has filed a suit against several entities, including major technology platforms and websites, alleging that they have hosted or enabled the creation and dissemination of content that misuses her image, likeness and public persona.
The actress argued that deepfake videos, altered photographs, AI-generated chatbot versions of her identity and misleading digital content have been widely shared across various online platforms. She believes such material not only misrepresents her but also damages the goodwill and reputation she has built over decades in the entertainment industry.
Represented by advocate Rohan Kadam, Preity informed the court that these unauthorized uses of her identity amount to an infringement of her personality rights and could also violate provisions of the Copyright Act. The petition further states that such content creates confusion among the public and may lead people to believe that the actress has endorsed or participated in activities that she has no connection with.
During the hearing before Justice Abhay Ahuja, it was submitted that while many of the platforms involved operate outside Mumbai, the impact of the alleged violations extends to Mumbai, where Preity resides and works. Considering the nature of the case, the Bombay High Court granted her permission to file the substantive civil suit before the court.
Preity Zinta joins a growing list of celebrities who have sought legal protection against the misuse of their identity in the digital age. Over the last two years, several prominent personalities, including Akshay Kumar, Shilpa Shetty, Suniel Shetty, Kartik Aaryan and Shatrughan Sinha, have approached courts seeking safeguards against unauthorized use of their names, images and personalities.
The case highlights the increasing concerns surrounding artificial intelligence and deepfake technology, which have become major challenges for public figures worldwide. As AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated, celebrities and legal experts are calling for stronger safeguards to prevent misuse and protect individual rights.
For Preity Zinta, the legal move is not just about protecting her image but also about ensuring that technology is not used to distort reality at the cost of a person’s reputation and credibility.
