Delhi HC to Hear Plea Against Deepfake Videos Circulating During Elections

A plea was mentioned before the Delhi High Court on Wednesday concerning the circulation of deepfake videos during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The Bench

A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora agreed to schedule the matter for hearing on Thursday, provided the petition meets the necessary requirements.

Who Filed the Plea?

Senior advocate Jayant Mehta, while seeking an urgent hearing for the plea, stated that it was being filed by a lawyers’ body seeking directions to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to halt the circulation of deepfake videos during elections.

Stressing the urgency of the matter, the lawyer highlighted that general elections are currently underway, and deepfake videos are being circulated, with a representation already submitted to the ECI.

The court noted that social media platforms now have grievance redressal officers and inquired whether the petitioners have approached them.

The counsel affirmed that they have taken all possible steps. He further explained that the delay in action and removal of such videos results in irreversible damage, as the response time ranges between 24 and 48 hours. The bench assured that it will evaluate the issue and proceed with the hearing on Thursday.

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