Actor Suniel Shetty. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
Actor Suniel Shetty has filed a case in the Bombay High Court, asking for protection against the misuse of his name, photos, and voice on social media and websites. He said that many people are using his identity without his permission to promote their businesses, sell merchandise, and even spread fake images created using artificial intelligence. On Friday (October 10, 2025), Justice Arif S. Doctor heard the matter and reserved it for order. “These AI and social media, if not regulated, it is scary what people can do with it.” Representing Mr. Shetty, senior advocate, Birendra Saraf, submitted to the court that fake images of the actor and his granddaughter were being shared online, and that some websites were wrongly claiming that Mr. Shetty had endorsed their products. Also Read | Delhi HC protects Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s personality rights against AI misuse, unauthorised productsHe further submitted that some AI-generated images show him in inappropriate situations, including one where he is seen with a well-known actress in a suggestive setting. Other fake photos show him with his granddaughter, daughter Athiya Shetty, and son-in-law K.L. Rahul. “These are deep-fake photographs and videos circulating, some showing him with his grandchild. Please see there is a real estate agency using his photograph as intervals, an astrology website which uses his photographs. A gambling website also featured him, and none of these were with his permission. There is merchandise being sold, posters of his face, etc. There is a photograph of him with a grandchild, which is a deepfake. It’s not a real photograph,” Mr. Saraf said, adding that these images are not only false but also deeply hurtful to his family and reputation. Apart from fake visuals, Mr. Shetty in his petition said that several social media accounts are pretending to be him. Some websites are selling T-shirts and posters with his image, while others are falsely claiming that he has endorsed their products. One gambling site even announced a partnership with him, which he said is false. The actor has appealed to the court to order all such platforms to remove the fake content within 36 hours of being notified. He has also asked the companies to share details of the people behind these accounts and websites, including their names, email addresses, and phone numbers and has requested that internet service providers and government departments help block access to these pages. The actor is seeking ₹15 crore in damages for the harm caused to his reputation and brand value. The petition said that the misuse of the actor’s identity is not just affecting him personally but also misleading the public to believe he is connected to these businesses. Published - October 10, 2025 02:18 pm IST
