Delhi HC Seeks Centre's Stand On PIL Against Deepfake

The Delhi High Court, on Monday requested the Centre's input regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) addressing the uncontrolled utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfakes.

Deepfakes, manipulated videos or images generated through AI-powered deep learning software, depict individuals engaging in actions or utterances they never did in reality.

A Bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan noted that technology's control was intricate and the raised concern necessitated governmental deliberation.

"Technology's restraint isn't straightforward; it demands extensive contemplation. It's an intricately complex technology," remarked the Bench, inclusive of Justice Mini Pushkarna.

Acknowledging the technology's positive potentials while emphasizing the need for government intervention, the court asserted, "This is within the realm of the government's capabilities."

The Central government's representative mentioned the government's active consideration of the issue and requested time to procure directives.

Highlighting the disparity between technological advancement and legal adaptation, the petitioner's advocate, Manohar Lal, emphasized the law's sluggish pace amidst rapid technological growth.

Acknowledging this lag, the court scheduled the case for further hearing on January 8, 2024.

Petitioner Chaitanya Rohilla, a legal practitioner, urged the Centre to identify and restrict access to deepfake-providing websites and regulate AI to safeguard citizens' fundamental rights.

Emphasizing AI's inherent complexities and the necessity for regulations, Rohilla's counsel highlighted recent instances of deepfake misuse, including the unfortunate incident involving actor Rashmika Mandanna.