Anil Kapoor wins landmark judgement against AI, pledges support to Hollywood strikes

Indian actor Anil Kapoor has achieved a groundbreaking victory in a legal battle against artificial intelligence (AI), as reported by Variety.

The Slumdog Millionaire actor initiated legal action by filing a suit through his lawyer, Ameet Naik, in the Delhi High Court to safeguard his personality rights, encompassing his name, image, likeness, voice, and other aspects of his persona from any form of misuse, including digital media.

The suit presented various instances of unauthorized utilization of his attributes. After a thorough hearing, the court issued an order, acknowledging Kapoor's personality rights and prohibiting all offenders from exploiting his persona without consent in any capacity.

This pivotal court order safeguards the actor's rights across all modes and media on a global scale.

Expressing his satisfaction with the court's decision, Kapoor told Variety, "I’m very happy with this court order, which has come in my favour, and I think it’s very progressive and great for not only me but for other actors also."

Kapoor emphasized the necessity of such protection, particularly in the face of advancing AI technology that can potentially misuse an individual's image, voice, or other attributes for commercial gains.

The initiative stemmed from a multitude of manipulated videos and emojis circulating with Kapoor's likeness, as well as the iconic phrase "jhakaas," which Kapoor first used in the 1985 film Yudh. The court order now extends protection to this phrase, translating roughly to 'awesome' or 'wicked.'

Kapoor clarified that this action isn't only about his personal interests, stating, "It’s not only for me. Today, I’m there to protect myself, but when I’m not there, the family should have the right to protect my [personality] and gain from it in future."

Addressing concerns about freedom of expression, Kapoor underlined, "My intention is not to interfere with anyone’s freedom of expression or to penalize anyone." He stressed the need to shield personality rights amidst technological advancements like artificial intelligence.

The issue of AI is a focal point in the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, and Kapoor, represented by David Unger at Artist International Group in Hollywood, voiced his solidarity with fellow actors. He hopes the court order serves as encouraging news for all actors, emphasizing that every actor deserves protection and rights preservation.

Fresh from the Toronto Film Festival, where his film Thank You for Coming had a gala screening, Kapoor recounted the positive reception and the celebratory atmosphere infused with Indian culture. He praised the vibrant showcase of Indian cinema, expressing gratitude for the warm reception.