Delhi High Court Directs Google to Remove Deepfake and Misleading Content Targeting Sadhguru
The Delhi High Court has stepped in to address the growing menace of AI-generated deepfakes misusing the identity of spiritual teacher Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. In a significant order, the Court has asked Google to ensure that such deceptive and infringing content is removed — and to use its technology to prevent similar uploads in the future.
Deepfakes and Digital Deception
The issue came to light after alarming reports of scams using deepfake videos of Sadhguru to promote fake investment schemes. Earlier this year, a 57-year-old woman from Bengaluru reportedly lost ₹3.75 crore after falling prey to one such fraudulent video that appeared to show Sadhguru endorsing an investment opportunity.
These videos, often spread on social media and video platforms, mimic Sadhguru’s voice and likeness through artificial intelligence — making them appear deceptively authentic.
Delhi High Court’s Intervention
Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora directed Google to collaborate with Sadhguru’s legal team to identify misleading and defamatory videos, and to take proactive steps to remove identical or similar content.
The Court emphasized that Google must use available AI-based detection tools to locate and remove duplicates automatically, reducing the burden on the plaintiff to repeatedly report such material. If Google faces any technological limitations, the Court instructed the company to submit a detailed affidavit explaining its position.
A Call for Responsible Technology
Sadhguru’s counsel argued that these deepfake videos not only harm his personal reputation but also exploit public trust for financial fraud. The misuse of AI in this manner, he noted, falls under Google’s own advertising and content policies against misleading representation.
Google, in response, agreed to work cooperatively with the plaintiff and ensure prompt removal of such harmful content whenever identified.
Rising Wave of Deepfake Scams
Despite earlier court orders in May 2024, the Isha Foundation reported a continued surge in false advertisements and doctored videos — some falsely claiming Sadhguru’s arrest or showing him promoting bogus financial products. These scams, the Foundation stated, aim to deceive the public and extract personal or financial data through clickbait schemes.
The Foundation has urged followers and the public to stay vigilant and report any misleading or fraudulent content pretending to feature Sadhguru by marking it as “scam” or “misleading” on YouTube and other platforms.
The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the ethical responsibilities that come with advancing AI technology. While artificial intelligence can be a tool for transformation, its misuse can deeply impact real lives, reputations, and trust.
Digital awareness, spiritual discernment, and responsible technology use must go hand in hand to protect truth in the age of illusion.