Bombay HC orders takedown of deepfakes targeting Nitin Gadkari over E20 fuel policy

Court steps in over AI-generated content

The Bombay High Court has ordered the removal of deepfake videos and AI-generated images that falsely linked Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to the E20 ethanol fuel programme. The court described the posts as 'vile' and 'obscene', and directed online platforms to take down all such content.

The order comes amid a row over the E20 petrol policy, which mandates blending ethanol with petrol. The AI-manipulated content allegedly showed Gadkari in a negative light, sparking legal action.

What the court said

While hearing the matter, the bench reportedly expressed strong disapproval of the posts, calling them defamatory and abusive. The court's directive is aimed at curbing the spread of misleading visuals that could harm the minister's reputation.

Details of the specific platforms or the exact number of videos targeted have not been disclosed yet. The court's order is seen as a significant step in addressing the growing menace of deepfakes in India.

Legal context and response

The case highlights the challenges posed by synthetic media in the digital age. The E20 programme, a key government initiative to promote cleaner fuel, has been a subject of public debate, and the deepfakes appear to have exploited this.

Neither Gadkari nor the platforms involved have issued a public statement so far. The court's ruling sets a precedent for how Indian courts may handle similar cases involving AI-generated content in the future.

Broader implications

This is among the first high-profile orders by an Indian court specifically addressing deepfakes targeting a Union minister. Legal experts say the ruling could prompt stricter scrutiny of AI-manipulated content on social media.

The government has been grappling with regulating deepfakes, and this order adds judicial weight to those efforts. It also serves as a warning to creators and sharers of such content.

Observers will be watching how platforms comply with the takedown order and whether similar cases emerge. The court's next hearing in the matter is awaited.