A new trend has taken social media by storm. Scroll through your timeline, and you might see yourself standing next to Shah Rukh Khan. Sometimes there’s a glamorous selfie with captions like “Dreams Come True” or “Finally Met”. But a closer look reveals the truth: these are AI-generated images, not real encounters. Netizens are having fun with these creations—some are amazed, others are sharing and liking them with amusement.

However, the question arises: how safe is it to post such images online? The answer can be alarming—particularly if you are in India.

According to Indian law, using a celebrity’s name, image, voice, or signature gestures without permission is prohibited. This falls under Rights of Publicity or personality rights. Additionally, it intersects with copyright, trademark, IT laws, and consumer protection laws.

If an AI-generated image of Shah Rukh Khan is used for commercial purposes, it could lead to serious legal consequences. Courts determine compensation based on the intent and nature of usage. Casual or personal sharing might attract comparatively minor penalties.

Previously, similar cases involved Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Anil Kapoor, where unauthorized use of images led to compensation claims running into crores of rupees. Depending on the damage assessed, fines can range from ₹10 lakh to several crores.

In Shah Rukh Khan’s case, the stakes are even higher:

• He is associated with India’s most premium brands.
• For a single advertisement, his fee ranges ₹8–10 crore.

If an AI-generated image of Shah Rukh is used in an unauthorised advertisement, compensation claims could escalate to ₹5–20 crore.

Key Takeaways

Source: The Wall