Delhi High Court orders Meta to remove AI-morphed images of woman with PM Modi
Delhi High Court has directed Meta to remove allegedly AI-morphed images of a woman shown with PM Modi and ordered police protection for her
PTC Web Desk: The Delhi High Court on Friday directed Meta platforms to remove allegedly objectionable AI-morphed images of a woman shown alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi from its social media platforms.
The order came after the woman approached the court, alleging that her photograph had been digitally altered and circulated online. She also told the court that she had received threats and sought protection from the Delhi Police.
Justice Girish Kathpalia directed the police to provide her with complete protection. The court also issued notices to Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and Ratna Singh in connection with the allegations.
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Woman alleges her photo was morphed using AI
According to the petition, the woman's photograph was allegedly taken and edited using AI-based face-swapping tools. The petition claimed that her face was placed on an explicit image showing her with the Prime Minister.
The woman alleged that the images were circulated during protests organised by the CJP at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. She has also claimed that some of the content was shared online and that physical banners carrying the alleged morphed image were displayed.
Court seeks police action
During the hearing, the court directed the Delhi Police to provide protection to the woman and sought action in relation to the allegedly manipulated content.
The court also directed Meta to take down the objectionable material after the relevant links were provided. Reports on the hearing said the court directed removal of the content within 24 hours.
The woman’s lawyer told the court that an FIR had already been registered. However, the petition alleged that no effective action had yet been taken against those responsible or to stop the circulation of the material.
Next hearing on October 14
The Delhi High Court has listed the matter for further hearing on October 14. The case comes amid increasing legal concerns over the use of AI tools to create and circulate manipulated images of individuals without their consent. The court’s directions in this matter are focused on removing the allegedly objectionable content and addressing the woman’s safety concerns.