Actress Mrunal Thakur has issued a legal warning against the creation and distribution of AI-generated deepfakes using her likeness [1].
The move highlights the growing struggle for public figures to protect their digital identities as generative AI tools make high-quality manipulation more accessible. By taking a public stand, Thakur aims to deter the unauthorized use of her image and protect her professional reputation [1, 3].
Thakur said the creation of manipulated content is both illegal and unacceptable [3]. She said that any further misuse of her identity will result in legal action [1].
Deepfake technology uses artificial intelligence to create convincing images or videos of people doing or saying things they never did. For actors, this poses a risk to their brand and personal security, especially when content is created without consent.
In a video interview, Thakur said that the unauthorized use of her likeness is illegal and unacceptable [3]. The warning serves as a direct notice to creators and distributors of such content to stop immediately [2].
Thakur said, "Any further misuse of my identity will result in legal action" [1].
This legal posture reflects a broader trend among celebrities who are increasingly seeking legal remedies to combat non-consensual AI content. While legislation varies by region, the use of civil litigation remains a primary tool for those seeking to remove infringing content from the internet [1, 2].
“"Any further misuse of my identity will result in legal action."”
This incident underscores the legal gray area surrounding 'digital twins' and AI likenesses. As deepfake technology evolves, high-profile individuals are shifting from passive reporting of content to proactive legal warnings to establish a record of non-consent, which is often critical for pursuing damages or securing takedown notices under current intellectual property and privacy laws.
