Delhi High Court Orders Meta to Remove Woman’s Morphed Images, Issues Notices to CJP Leaders

The Delhi High Court has directed Meta to remove objectionable images and links involving a woman from its platforms within 24 hours. The order came after the woman alleged that her photograph was manipulated using AI and face-swapping technology and circulated online. The court also issued notices to four leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

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Woman Alleges AI-Based Face Swap

The woman alleged that her personal photograph was used without her consent and digitally altered using AI and face-swapping technology. According to her petition, her face was allegedly superimposed onto an objectionable image alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

She further alleged that the altered image was displayed on a banner during a CJP protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi in July. The image and related videos were subsequently circulated on social media, according to the petition.

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The allegations have not been established by the court, and the matter remains under investigation.

Notices to Four CJP Leaders

The Delhi High Court issued notices to CJP leaders Saurav Das, Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Ratna Singh. The woman has alleged that the leaders were involved in circulating the manipulated image.

The Delhi Police Cyber Police Station registered an FIR on September 24 against unidentified persons following the complaint. The CJP leaders named in the woman’s petition were not named as accused in the FIR, according to reports.

The court has sought a status report from the Delhi Police on the progress of the investigation. It has also directed the police to provide protection to the woman.

Meta Given 24 Hours to Remove Content

During the hearing, the Delhi High Court directed Meta to remove the specified objectionable images and links within 24 hours. The investigating officer was also directed to provide the relevant web links to Meta to facilitate the takedown.

The court also directed the Delhi Police to ensure the woman’s safety. The case has drawn attention to concerns surrounding the alleged misuse of AI-generated and deepfake content in online harassment.