Meta, X and Google have been directed to act promptly against the identified content
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed major social media platforms, including Meta, X Corp and Google, to immediately remove allegedly defamatory, AI-generated and abusive content targeting Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari over the Centre’s E20 ethanol-blended fuel programme.
Granting interim relief in a civil suit filed by Gadkari, Justice Arif Doctor described the material placed before the court as “absolutely vile and abusive“, observing that such content had no place on public platforms accessible to millions, including children.
The court directed Meta, X and Google to take down the specific posts identified in the suit without delay. It also ruled that if Gadkari discovers any similar defamatory or AI-generated content in the future, he can notify the platforms directly, which must act promptly. In case of any dispute over whether content violates the order, the companies may approach the court for clarification.
Suit over deepfakes and fake allegations
Gadkari moved the High Court after several social media posts, AI-generated videos and deepfakes falsely linked him and members of his family to the government’s E20 ethanol-blended petrol policy, alleging personal financial gains from the programme.
The minister argued that the content was fabricated, defamatory and intended to tarnish his reputation by spreading misinformation about the ethanol-blending initiative.
During the hearing, representatives of Meta and Google informed the court that they had agreed to remove the content identified in the petition. The court accepted their statements while directing other intermediaries to comply with the takedown order.
The matter has been posted for further hearing after four weeks, with the court also expecting digital platforms to evolve mechanisms for dealing with such abusive and AI-generated content more effectively.
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