Chiranjeevi seeks action against AI-generated deepfake videos, demands…

Tollywood actor Chiranjeevi has filed a complaint with Hyderabad's cyber-crime authorities over AI-generated deepfake videos.

Chiranjeevi, a prominent actor in the Telugu film industry, has taken firm legal steps after discovering that his likeness was being misused online. He filed a formal complaint with the cyber-crime authorities in Hyderabad, alleging that several websites had published AI-generated and manipulated videos showing him in explicit content without his consent.

Chiranjeevi lashes out against deepfake videos

According to the complaint, these videos were not real but were crafted using advanced generative-AI tools (so-called “deepfake” technology) and were posted across multiple platforms for viewing and profit. The actor states that the fake videos used his name, photograph and image in a way that falsely depicted him in obscene acts. He said the content caused “severe and irreparable” damage to his reputation and threatened the goodwill he had built over decades. He also pointed out that this was not just a one-off incident, but rather suggested a coordinated network: websites were “cross-promoting, reposting and mirroring each other’s material” to amplify reach and commercial gain.

What action has been taken against Chiranjeevi’s complaint?

Once the complaint was lodged, the Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police registered a case under various provisions of the law, including Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (which deal with obscene and sexually explicit electronic content) as well as sections from the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. This legal action emphasises that the misuse of digital identity, via modern AI tools, is being treated as a serious offence under current Indian cyber-laws.

More about the matter

Chiranjeevi also pointed out that earlier, the city civil court in Hyderabad had issued an interim injunction to protect his personality and publicity rights, specifically restraining any unauthorised use of his name, image, voice, or titles. The court noted that misuse of a celebrity’s likeness for commercial, political or salacious purposes could cause irreparable harm. The actor has urged authorities not only to identify and prosecute those behind the creation and circulation of the fake videos but also to ensure that all mirror sites and affiliate platforms are blocked and all bogus content removed.

Story Highlights

1. Chiranjeevi has filed a formal complaint with the cyber-crime authorities in Hyderabad against AI-generated deepfake videos featuring him in explicit content.
2. The complaint alleges that the videos were crafted using advanced generative-AI tools and posted across multiple platforms for viewing and profit.
3. The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have registered a case under various provisions of the law, including Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
4. Chiranjeevi has urged authorities to identify and prosecute those behind the creation and circulation of the fake videos and remove the content from the internet.

Chiranjeevi’s decision to take legal action against the misuse of his likeness is a significant step towards protecting his reputation and dignity.