Time Magazine has released its prestigious list of the 100 most influential people in Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Bollywood star Anil Kapoor is among those honoured.
Anil Kapoor, the only Indian actor on the list, shares the spotlight with top entrepreneurs, tech industry giants, scientists, and a select group of artists. This recognition highlights Kapoor’s relevance not only in the entertainment world but also in the evolving AI landscape.
Why Anil Kapoor Made It to Time’s AI List
Anil Kapoor’s inclusion in this exclusive list stems from a significant legal victory last year when the Delhi High Court ruled to protect his personality rights. The court’s decision restrained the unauthorized use of Kapoor’s name, image, voice, and other elements of his persona, including his iconic catchphrase “Jhakaas,” for commercial purposes.
The actor filed a lawsuit against several websites and platforms that were exploiting his celebrity status without permission. These included unauthorized merchandise sales, misusing his image for motivational speaking engagements, and even selling fake autographs. The court ruled that while free speech is protected, commercial exploitation of a celebrity’s identity without authorization is illegal and damaging to their reputation.
This case marked a milestone in India’s legal treatment of celebrity rights and personality protection, particularly in the digital era, where misuse of a public figure’s persona can be widespread. Kapoor’s successful legal battle has made him a prominent figure in discussions around AI and digital rights, securing his place on Time Magazine’s list.
Anil Kapoor’s Impact in the Digital and AI Space
In the age of AI, where deepfake technology and synthetic media are becoming more prevalent, Kapoor’s case has raised awareness about the need for stronger legal frameworks to protect individuals from the misuse of their likeness. His inclusion in Time’s AI list reflects how such battles are increasingly relevant in the broader context of AI, especially in safeguarding the rights of public figures and preventing unauthorized digital manipulation.
Scarlett Johansson is Also on the Time AI List
Anil Kapoor is joined on the list by Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson, who found herself in a similar situation. Johansson made headlines last year when she confronted OpenAI after discovering that a voice eerily similar to hers was used in one of their demos. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had approached Johansson to lend her voice to an AI system, but she declined. After legal action, the voice was removed.
Like Kapoor, Johansson’s legal battle has drawn attention to the misuse of celebrity identities in AI-driven technologies. Her case, combined with her experience voicing an AI assistant in the 2013 film Her, further reinforces the need for legal protection against unauthorized use of a person’s likeness in AI applications.
Anil Kapoor’s Upcoming Projects
As Kapoor continues to make headlines in the legal and tech world, he remains active in Bollywood. The actor will soon be seen in Subedaar, an adrenaline-fueled action drama directed by Suresh Triveni. The film, written by Suresh and Prajwal Chandrashekar, promises to deliver thrilling action sequences and Kapoor’s signature performance style.
Anil Kapoor’s inclusion in Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in AI highlights the intersection of entertainment, technology, and legal rights. His fight to protect his persona in the digital space has made him a pioneer in the conversation about celebrity rights in the age of AI. As AI continues to evolve, Kapoor’s case sets a precedent for the protection of identity in the digital age.
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