Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor has voiced her concerns regarding the proliferation of AI-generated images featuring her likeness circulating online without her consent. Speaking at a recent trailer launch for her upcoming film, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, Kapoor highlighted the potential for misuse and misinterpretation of these images by the general public.

Kapoor stated that while those familiar with AI technology can discern between authentic and synthetic images, the average person may not. She expressed worry that the "common man will think, 'Yeh toh yeh pehen ke pohonch gayi (She actually went out wearing this)," suggesting that the public might perceive these AI-generated images as real depictions of her personal life and choices.

The actress, who describes herself as "old-school," emphasized the importance of preserving human intelligence and creativity in the face of advancing AI technology. She joins a growing chorus of voices within the entertainment industry who are grappling with the ethical and practical implications of AI.

Echoing Kapoor's concerns, her Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari co-star, Varun Dhawan, stressed the need for stronger legal frameworks to protect actors and their identities from being misused in the digital sphere. Dhawan acknowledged the benefits of technology but cautioned against its demerits, advocating for laws and regulations to safeguard actors' identities from misuse. He further asserted that an actor's true value lies in their unique "X-factor," a quality that no algorithm can ever truly replicate.

This discussion about AI in Bollywood comes amidst growing trends of AI images on social media, including the Google Gemini Nano Banana trend, where users create dreamy edits of themselves in elegant sarees. While these trends can be fun and creative, they also raise questions about privacy, consent, and the potential for misuse. One user even shared a "creepy" experience where a mole that she has in real life appeared on the AI-generated image, even though the original photo she uploaded did not have the mole.

Janhvi Kapoor's experience isn't isolated. In 2023, she spoke about finding morphed images of herself on "almost pornographic pages" when she was younger and expressed concern that people assumed they were real. She revealed that at 15, her photos were morphed into deepfakes without consent. This earlier experience underscores the long-standing issue of image manipulation and the increasing sophistication of AI-driven methods.

The concerns voiced by Kapoor and Dhawan reflect a broader debate within the Indian film industry regarding the ethical considerations surrounding AI. Recently, the re-release of Aanand L Rai's Raanjhanaa in Tamil, altered using AI with a different ending, sparked outrage and ignited discussions about creative control and authenticity.

Other prominent figures have also taken legal action to protect their rights against AI misuse. Recently, the Delhi High Court granted Aishwarya Rai Bachchan interim relief in a case concerning the unauthorized use of her name, image, and persona, including misuse through AI, across digital platforms. The court directed platforms to take down and block URLs identified in the petition, emphasizing the need to protect individuals' dignity and prevent financial detriment caused by unauthorized use of their likeness.

As AI continues to evolve, it is vital to address the ethical considerations and potential for misuse, particularly regarding the unauthorized use of individuals' images and identities. This includes promoting media literacy, developing robust legal frameworks, and fostering a culture of respect for individual rights in the digital age.