Nivetha Thomas slams misuse of her deepfake images online, urges netizens to respect her privacy: "There is a difference between using and abusing technology"

Calling attention to a recent image being widely shared online, Nivetha stressed that digital impersonation is illegal and a serious violation of personal privacy.

Actress Nivetha Thomas has become the latest celebrity, following Sreeleela, to speak out against the circulation of deepfake images on social media. Nivetha addressed the issue after discovering AI-generated images that misuse her identity and personal photographs.

Calling attention to a recent image being widely shared online, Nivetha stressed that digital impersonation is illegal and a serious violation of personal privacy. She took to X on Wednesday to formally address the matter and condemn the misuse of her likeness.

“It has come to my attention that AI-generated images misusing my identity and a recent photograph I shared on my social media are being circulated online. The creation and circulation of such content without consent is deeply disturbing, unacceptable, and unlawful. It constitutes digital impersonation and a serious invasion of my privacy. I am putting this on record,” she wrote.

It has come to my attention that AI-generated images misusing my identity and a recent photograph I shared on my social media are being circulated online. The creation and circulation of such content without consent is deeply disturbing, unacceptable, and unlawful. It…

— Nivetha Thomas (@i_nivethathomas) December 17, 2025

Nivetha also issued a strong warning that continued circulation of such content could invite legal consequences. She urged social media users to refrain from engaging with, sharing, or legitimising manipulated content in any form.

“Those responsible, including accounts operating behind anonymity, are directed to immediately stop and take down such content. I urge others to recognise the harm in enabling this behaviour. Do not reshare, engage with, or legitimise such material in any form. Any continued circulation will be treated as deliberate misuse of my identity and escalated legally,” she added.

Earlier on the same day, actress Sreeleela had also raised concerns over the growing misuse of AI-generated content and shared a detailed note appealing to users to stop encouraging such practices. “I put my hands together and request every social media user not to support AI-generated nonsense. There is a difference between using and abusing technology,” she wrote.

A portion of her post read, “Advancements in technology are meant to simplify life, not complicate it, in my opinion. Every girl out there is a daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend, or colleague, even if she chooses art as one of her professions. We wish to be part of an industry that spreads joy, with the confidence that we are in a protected environment.”

The actor said that due to a busy schedule, he had been unaware of many developments online and thanked well-wishers for bringing the issue to his attention. He added that while he generally takes such matters with a pinch of salt and lives in his own world, the situation was deeply disturbing and devastating. He also noted that several colleagues were facing similar issues, prompting him to speak up on behalf of everyone affected.

Meanwhile, Nivetha Thomas predominantly works in South Indian cinema and has appeared in films such as Gentleman (2016), Ninnu Kori (2017), Jai Lava Kusa (2017), 118 (2019), V (2020), Vakeel Saab (2021), Saakini Daakini (2022), and Enthada Saji (2023).