Delhi HC orders takedown of deepfake videos of Aaj Tak anchor

Delhi HC orders takedown of deepfake videos of Aaj Tak anchor

In T.V. Today Network Ltd. & Anr. v. Google LLC & Ors., the Delhi High Court addressed the unauthorized use of journalist Anjana Om Kashyap’s identity by a fake YouTube channel '@AnajanaomKashya'. The imposter channel closely resembled her genuine channel '@AnjanaomKashyap-AOK', using her photograph and name to create deceptive content, generate revenue, and spread misinformation. The Court held that such misuse amounted to a violation of personality rights, unauthorized commercial exploitation, and misuse of the media house’s goodwill. It emphasized the importance of editorial control in news dissemination to prevent the spread of fake news. Justice Prathiba M. Singh directed Google LLC to take down the fake channel within 48 hours, disclose subscriber information within 2 weeks, and report revenues paid to the fake account within 4 weeks. Google was also ordered to remove any future impersonating channels within 72 hours of being notified. The order safeguards both individual identity and media integrity in the digital space.