Rajat Sharma Deepfake Case: Delhi HC Directs YouTube to Remove Fake Videos
The Delhi High Court on Friday urged online platforms to act promptly against deepfake content instead of compelling individuals to approach the court for every complaint.
Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, while hearing journalist Rajat Sharma’s plea, observed that when a person reports that their deepfake is being circulated on social media, intermediaries should take action immediately without waiting for a court order.
“Once a person says a deepfake of them is being made, where is the need for an investigation?” Justice Arora remarked, adding that courts were increasingly becoming grievance redressal forums because of such repeated complaints.
She expressed concern that social media users were being forced to file petitions for issues that should be addressed by the grievance redressal mechanisms of the platforms themselves. “People should not be made to come to court for issues like these unless it is a contested matter. Why am I being made the grievance redressal officer of the platform?” she asked.
The judge further noted that she had to issue lengthy orders in matters that could have been resolved by grievance officers in a few pages.
The remarks came while hearing Rajat Sharma’s application in his pending personality rights case. Sharma sought directions for the removal of deepfake videos uploaded on YouTube that falsely portrayed him giving investment advice and news commentary.
After reviewing the matter, the High Court directed that YouTube be added as a party to the case and ordered the removal of the flagged videos. The Court also allowed Sharma to approach YouTube directly in the future if new deepfakes appear, with instructions that such content be taken down within 48 hours.
Advocates Saikrishna Rajagopal, Disha Sharma, Snehima Jauhari, Deepika Pokharia, and Mythili Girish from Saikrishna & Associates represented Rajat Sharma in the matter.
