Mumbai: Days after Bollywood actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan filed a lawsuit against the creators of AI-generated content misusing their likenesses, YouTube has taken down hundreds of such videos. The move comes after the couple raised serious concerns over the platform’s AI training policies and the proliferation of manipulated content featuring them.
YouTube acts after legal challenge by the Bachchans
According to reports, the Bachchans had approached the court seeking a ban on AI-generated videos that infringe upon their rights and damage their reputation. Despite a court order last month directing the removal of several links, new and similar videos continued to surface across multiple YouTube channels.
Following the couple’s legal action, YouTube has now removed hundreds of videos that falsely depicted the actors in intimate or suggestive scenarios. Some of these clips had gone viral, drawing millions of views before being taken down.
AI-generated videos amassed over 16 million views
A Reuters report revealed that the deleted AI content had collectively garnered over 16 million views. The most popular of these included a fabricated video showing Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai in a swimming pool, which had 4.1 million views before its removal.
Another deleted channel, titled ‘AI-generated Bollywood love stories’, reportedly hosted 259 videos, while ‘AI Bollywood Ishq’, which posted similar AI-generated material, has also been taken down.
However, despite YouTube’s recent clean-up drive, several manipulated clips remain online, including ones showing AI versions of Abhishek Bachchan engaging in romantic scenes or Aishwarya Rai sharing meals with actors she had previously worked with.
Couple raises questions over AI training policies
The celebrity couple’s lawsuit highlights what they describe as “dangerous loopholes” in YouTube’s AI and third-party training policies. Their legal filings reportedly argue that the platform’s allowance of AI content for training purposes increases the risk of misleading and infringing material spreading online.
“Using such content to train AI models could amplify the proliferation of infringing material,” the couple’s legal filing stated, urging the court to direct Google and YouTube to revise their policies.
Bachchans seek compensation for AI misuse
In addition to demanding a ban on the distribution of AI-manipulated content, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan are reportedly seeking USD 450,000 (approximately ₹3.75 crore) in damages from Google and other entities that used their images without authorisation.
The couple has also objected to unauthorised merchandise being sold online featuring AI-generated visuals of them, which they claim infringes upon their publicity and privacy rights.
Broader implications for celebrity rights and AI regulation
The Bachchans’ legal action adds to growing concerns about AI misuse in India’s entertainment industry. In recent months, several actors and public figures have complained about deepfake videos and AI-generated imitations used for commercial or defamatory purposes.
Experts say this case could set an important precedent for AI accountability and celebrity image protection in India. “Without clear regulation, AI-generated content can easily blur the line between creativity and violation,” said a Mumbai-based legal expert.
YouTube promises stronger enforcement
In response, a YouTube spokesperson said the platform “takes manipulation and misinformation seriously” and continues to remove content that violates community guidelines. The company is also reportedly reviewing its AI training and content moderation systems to ensure better protection for public figures.
While the clean-up offers temporary relief to the Bachchans, legal experts note that long-term solutions will depend on stronger AI regulation and collaboration between tech platforms, courts, and policymakers.