Madras High Court protects Ilaiyaraaja’s personality rights, restricts unauthorised use of images, AI visuals on digital platfforms

In his plea, Ilaiyaraaja asked the court to stop these platforms from commercially exploiting his name, image, voice, and other distinctive traits without his consent.

The Madras High Court on Friday granted interim protection to music composer Ilaiyaraaja’s personality rights by restraining several digital platforms from using his image, photographs, animated or comical depictions, AI-generated visuals, or any other identifiable attributes without permission.

On November 21, Justice N. Senthilkumar passed an interim injunction while hearing a civil suit and related applications filed by the composer. The order directs the defendants — including Amazon, YouTube, Facebook, Google, Sony Music, and India Record Manufacturing Co. — to submit their counter-affidavits by December 19, 2025.

In his plea, Ilaiyaraaja asked the court to stop these platforms from commercially exploiting his name, image, voice, and other distinctive traits without his consent.

The court noted that the composer had made out a strong case for safeguarding his personality rights, which cover his photos, animated or humorous representations, voice, and any identifiable qualities used without authorisation for commercial or personal gain, as well as misleading endorsements.

Senior counsel S. Prabakaran, appearing for Ilaiyaraaja, argued that several digital platforms — including YouTube channels and social media sites like Facebook, X, and Instagram — have been using AI-generated images, morphed visuals, voice clones, and other such content to earn revenue.

He clarified that Ilaiyaraaja has no objection to the use of his songs or his name, but is opposed to the unauthorised commercial use of his photographs, likeness, and other attributes to generate income or create false endorsements for commercial benefit.

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The counsel further pointed out that defamatory material, including AI-generated images portraying the composer with a lighter skin tone, has also been circulated online.

This development adds to the growing list of celebrities — including Aishwarya Rai, Karan Johar, Anil Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, and others — who have sought legal protection against the misuse of their images, AI-generated content, and other forms of commercial exploitation.