Delhi High Court Directs Social Media Platforms to Act Swiftly on Deepfake Complaints

Heading: Court Criticizes Social Media Platforms' Response to Deepfakes Content: The Delhi High Court has voiced strong criticism regarding the handling of deepfake content by social media intermediaries. Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora remarked that platforms should ideally act immediately when a user reports that their deepfake content is being generated and spread online, preventing the need for individuals to resort to legal action for what should be a straightforward process. The court expressed frustration at frequently becoming a de facto grievance redressal mechanism for social media issues, noting that such matters could be resolved much more efficiently by the platforms themselves.

Heading: Rajat Sharma's Deepfake Case Leads to YouTube Order Content: These observations were made in the context of journalist Rajat Sharma's application within an ongoing personality rights lawsuit. Sharma sought the inclusion of YouTube as a party and requested an order to remove several channels creating and disseminating deepfake videos impersonating him, including those that spread investment advice and propagate news. The High Court agreed, making YouTube a party and ordering the removal of the specific content Sharma flagged. Furthermore, the court directed that Sharma can approach YouTube directly for any future instances of his deepfakes surfacing, with the platform mandated to take down such content within 48 hours.

Heading: Impact Content: This ruling reinforces the accountability of social media intermediaries in combating the spread of harmful misinformation and misuse of individuals' likenesses. It sets a precedent for faster response times and may lead to stricter content moderation policies by platforms operating in India. Companies relying on digital platforms for content dissemination and engagement might face increased scrutiny. Rating: 7/10

Heading: Difficult Terms Content: Deepfake: Digitally manipulated videos or images that convincingly show someone saying or doing something they never did. Intermediaries: Companies or entities that provide services for users to access or distribute content online, such as social media platforms, internet service providers, or search engines. Personality Rights: Legal rights that protect an individual's control over the commercial use of their name, image, likeness, or other aspects of their identity. Grievance Redressal Officer: An official designated by a company or organization to handle and resolve complaints from customers or users. Statutory Mechanism: The established legal procedures and frameworks provided by laws and government regulations.