Bollywood Stars Challenge YouTube Over AI-Generated Content
Bollywood icons Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have taken legal action to protect their voices, images and reputations from misuse in artificial intelligence-generated videos. Their case targets Google-owned YouTube, India’s most popular video platform.
Bachchans Seek Protection from AI Misuse
The celebrity couple filed lawsuits demanding the removal of AI videos that infringe on their personality and intellectual property rights. Beyond takedowns, they want YouTube to prevent such content from being used to train other AI platforms. Legal papers seen by Reuters show the actors’ concern that misleading deepfakes could spread widely online.
India does not yet have specific laws protecting “personality rights”, unlike some US states. Still, courts have recently supported stars like Anil Kapoor, who won an order to stop unauthorised use of his voice and image. The Bachchans’ case marks the most high-profile clash between Bollywood, YouTube and the growing risks of generative AI.
‘Egregious’ Content in Spotlight
The lawsuits allege that YouTube hosts “egregious” and sometimes explicit AI-generated clips featuring the couple. One video shows Abhishek kissing another actress using digital manipulation, while another depicts Aishwarya with former co-star Salman Khan as Abhishek looks on.
Court orders have already removed over 500 offending links, but Reuters found similar content still circulating. The Bachchans are seeking $450,000 in damages and a permanent injunction against such misuse. They also argue that YouTube’s data-sharing policy, which allows creators to opt in to AI training, risks fuelling further infringement.
YouTube’s Growing Influence in India
With 600 million users, India is YouTube’s largest global market. The platform is deeply tied to Bollywood entertainment, making it a lucrative space for creators. YouTube has paid Indian creators more than $2.4 billion in recent years, but some of this revenue may come from infringing content, the actors claim.
A YouTube channel named “AI Bollywood Ishq” has already drawn millions of views with AI-generated love stories featuring Bollywood stars. Such examples highlight how quickly generative AI tools can create and distribute misleading celebrity content.
Legal experts suggest it may be difficult for the Bachchans to hold YouTube directly responsible. However, courts could push the platform to improve its policies and speed up responses to celebrity complaints. The case, due for its next hearing in January, could influence how India balances AI innovation with the protection of personal rights.
with inputs from Reuters
