The Gujarat High Court has issued notices to the Central and State governments on a PIL highlighting misuse of AI to create deepfake content targeting Constitutional authorities. The Court also sought the Gujarat DGP’s response and will consider action against platforms like Meta, Google and X after government replies.
The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday took up an important public interest litigation (PIL) raising concerns over the growing misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) to create deepfake and synthetically generated content targeting Constitutional authorities.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice DN Ray issued notices to both the Central Government and the Gujarat Government, seeking their responses on the serious legal and regulatory issues involved.
The Court also directed the Director General of Police (DGP), Gujarat, to file a detailed reply in the matter. However, the Bench clarified that it will decide whether to issue notices to intermediary platforms such as Meta, Google, X, Reddit and Scribd only after receiving responses from the governments.
The PIL has been filed by advocate Vikas Vijay Nair. In his petition, he has sought urgent legal reforms and regulatory directions to safeguard Constitutional and statutory authorities from the misuse of AI technology.
The plea highlights how deepfake technology is being used to create fake and manipulated videos and photographs that appear highly realistic, making it difficult for the public to identify what is genuine and what is fabricated.
The petitioner has requested the High Court to issue directions to the authorities and major technology companies including Meta, Google and X to immediately prohibit the publication, transmission, and communication of all AI-generated photographs, videos, and digital content of any Constitutional authorities on all social media sites.
He has further demanded that there should be mandatory use of “AI-generated data” watermark on all such content, and strict real-time prohibition on circulation and withdrawal of any such content.
In addition to this, the PIL has sought directions for the government authorities to jointly frame Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all police stations and specialised cyber crime units across Gujarat. These SOPs would deal specifically with cases involving AI-created content.
The petition also asks the Court to direct intermediary platforms such as Meta, Google, X, Reddit and Scribd to strictly follow statutory obligations relating to due diligence, content labelling, traceability and other compliance requirements under Indian law.
The petition explains that deepfake technology has advanced to a level where it can copy real voices, facial expressions and body movements with alarming accuracy.
According to the plea, ordinary citizens often find it extremely difficult to differentiate between real and fake content. This, the petitioner argues, leads to confusion, reputational harm and a serious erosion of public trust in institutions.
Appearing for the State, Advocate General Kamal Trivedi told the Court that the issue requires urgent and serious attention. He stated that there has been terrible and widespread misuse of online content through deepfakes and synthetically generated material, causing extensive and irreparable damage.
He also referred to international developments, pointing out that several countries have already enacted strict laws to regulate artificial intelligence and prevent misuse of deepfake technology.
After hearing the initial submissions, the High Court posted the matter for further hearing on March 20. The case is expected to raise important questions about free speech, digital regulation, intermediary liability and the urgent need for legal safeguards in the age of artificial intelligence.
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