Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachan Sue Google Over AI Videos Misusing Their Identity

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing many industries, but in India, it has created a new legal storm. Bollywood stars Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan sue Google, the parent company of YouTube, over AI video misuse. They argue that AI-generated videos using their images and voices violate their rights and harm their reputation.

The couple has asked the Delhi High Court to remove such videos and also to stop their use in training AI models. They say that once these AI videos are uploaded, they not only spread online but also risk being used to train other AI systems. This makes the problem much bigger and harder to control.

India does not have clear laws on “personality rights” like some U.S. states. But more celebrities are turning to courts to protect their identity from misuse. In 2023, a Delhi court even banned the misuse of actor Anil Kapoor’s image, voice, and famous catchphrase.

Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachan Sue Google Over AI Videos Misusing Their Identity

The Bachchans’ legal filings run over 1,500 pages. They accuse YouTube of hosting harmful AI content and want safeguards to prevent its spread. They also seek $450,000 in damages and a permanent block on such videos.

The couple provided hundreds of links as evidence. These include AI videos showing fake romantic and even explicit scenes. One clip shows Abhishek being manipulated to kiss an actress. Another depicts Aishwarya with actor Salman Khan at dinner while Abhishek looks upset. Some clips are bizarre, like a crocodile chasing Abhishek while Khan tries to save him.

YouTube’s India head recently called the platform “the new TV of India.” With 600 million users in the country, YouTube is the biggest entertainment hub. That popularity also makes it a breeding ground for fake AI-generated content.

AI Love Stories on YouTube

One channel, “AI Bollywood Ishq,” has created hundreds of AI-generated Bollywood love stories. It has millions of views. The most popular video, with over 4 million views, shows Aishwarya and Salman Khan together in a pool. Another shows them on a swing.

The creators openly admit they use AI tools like Grok AI and Hailuo AI to make these videos. A Reuters test confirmed that such AI clips can be generated in just minutes.

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The Legal Challenge

The court has already ordered 518 videos to be taken down. Judges said the content caused both financial and emotional harm to the Bachchans. However, experts believe it will be hard for the couple to directly pin liability on YouTube.

Legal experts suggest the court may instead push YouTube to create faster processes for celebrities to report fake content. Still, the lawsuits highlight how AI misuse is becoming a serious problem for public figures.

What’s Next?

The next court hearing is set for January 15. Until then, Bollywood stars and fans will be watching closely. The case could set an important precedent in India on how AI-generated content is regulated.

For now, the debate continues. Is AI simply a creative tool for entertainment, or does it cross the line when it uses real people without consent?