Anil Kapoor: The Only Indian Actor on TIME’s 100 Most Influential in AI

Ziya Khan 4 weeks agoLast Updated: September 6, 2024

In a significant development, the landscape of artificial intelligence is increasingly overlapping with celebrity rights. Time magazine’s latest list of the 100 most influential figures in AI highlights this convergence, featuring prominent names such as Indian actor Anil Kapoor and Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson. Anil Kapoor’s inclusion on the list stems from his efforts to protect celebrity rights in the digital age. Last year, the Delhi High Court delivered a landmark ruling in his favor, prohibiting the unauthorized use of his name, image, voice, and signature catchphrase for commercial purposes. This ruling represents a crucial victory for celebrities looking to safeguard their intellectual property in an era where deepfakes and AI-generated content can easily blur the lines between reality and fiction.

Anil Kapoor’s legal challenges brought to light the widespread exploitation of celebrity personas online. He faced issues such as unauthorized merchandise sales, misleading endorsements, and the creation of defamatory deepfakes. The court acknowledged that while freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it should not infringe upon individuals’ rights to privacy and reputation.

TIME’s new cover: The 100 most influential people in AI https://t.co/P81KOzsSlC pic.twitter.com/mjUT1UUx26

— TIME (@TIME) September 5, 2024

Scarlett Johansson’s case further emphasizes the ethical dilemmas posed by AI in the entertainment industry. Last year, she revealed that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had approached her to provide her voice for the company’s AI system. Although Altman believed that her voice would enhance user experience, Johansson declined the offer, highlighting the crucial need for consent and autonomy in the use of AI technologies that can significantly impact individuals’ lives.The inclusion of Kapoor and Johansson in Time magazine’s influential figures list underscores the increasing significance of the intersection between celebrity rights and artificial intelligence. As AI continues to evolve and its applications expand, it is vital to establish clear regulations and guidelines to protect individual rights and prevent the misuse of personal identities.