Anita R. Ratnam | Image source: File Photos
The Madras High Court on Wednesday directed Meta Platforms Inc. and Telegram FZ-LLC to remove all fake Facebook accounts and telegraph channels that abused photos and videos of choreographer Anita R. Ratnam and also used Deepfake Audio Nodio clips of her voice to request monetary investments from people in fraudulent plans.
Senthilkumar Justice Ramamoorthy directed two social media giants based in the United States and the United Arab Emirates, first deleting a list of 11 fake telegram channels and 3 Facebook accounts, which Ms. Ratnam listed in her plaintiffs, then deleted other fake accounts, and then reported Ms. Ratnam to Meta and Telegram.
The interim order was adopted in a civil lawsuit filed by a choreographer issued by UNESCO against the violation of her character rights. Her lawyer, Ms. Bharath, told the court that his client was a choreographer, performer, producer, speaker, mentor, art entrepreneur and pioneer of Neo Bharatam, a unique dance style that combines Bharatanatyam, Kathakali and Yoga.
She began Bharatanatyam in the 1970s and since then she has participated in numerous activities related to various art forms. Mr. Barras said Ms. Ratnam had established her own dance theater, planned various festivals, developed her own sports style and made a significant contribution to the world of performing arts through the production and choreography of a large number of works.
He also said the plaintiff performed in more than 1,300 performances in 37 countries.
In this case, she knew that her photos and videos were abused in her fake social media accounts in the last week of February. She immediately posted a public warning notice in the newspaper on March 5, 2025 and filed a complaint with the cybercrime cell. She further approached the Meta platform, which deleted more than 70 fake accounts that abused her photos, videos and voices.
However, as she continues to understand the existence of many other fake social media accounts like this, Ms. Ratnam chose to file the current John Doe lawsuit (a fictional name used to file a case against unknown individuals) involving her violation of her personality rights. She seeks restrictive orders to abuse the personality/propaganda rights of any commercial or personal interests.
publishing – April 30, 2025 08:23 pm ist
