Bombay High Court Orders Swift Action Against Deepfake Videos

The Bombay High Court has mandated social media platforms to promptly remove deepfake videos depicting NSE’s MD and CEO providing stock recommendations. Platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram must delete infringing content within ten hours of receiving a complaint. The NSE claims the videos use sophisticated AI technology to imitate Ashishkumar Chauhan, leading to market manipulation concerns.

The Bombay High Court has issued a decisive order to social media intermediaries to quickly address alleged deepfake videos featuring the managing director and chief executive officer of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) giving stock recommendations.

In a directive from Justice R I Chagla dated July 16, platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram were instructed to remove all accounts infringing upon the NSE trademark. The court emphasized the balance of convenience favors the NSE and highlighted the potential irreparable harm that could occur without temporary relief.

Justice Chagla stated that social media firms must act within ten hours of receiving complaints about the unauthorized use of NSE's trademark. The court noted that the NSE had filed a complaint alleging the presence of sophisticated AI-generated videos that falsely represented its MD and CEO, Ashishkumar Chauhan, giving stock tips, which could lead to market manipulation.