New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has directed Google to deploy its technological capabilities to counter fake advertisements on YouTube that misuse Sadhguru’s AI-generated images and falsely claim his arrest. The order came after Sadhguru and Isha Foundation highlighted Google’s continued failure to prevent misleading AI deepfake ads exploiting the spiritual leader’s likeness for fraudulent schemes.
The single-judge bench of Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora told Google that publishing such advertisements must be stopped immediately. The Court ordered Google to “use its technology for the issue” and, if it has any technological limitations or reservations, to file an affidavit detailing the reasons.
The Court further directed Google and Isha Foundation to meet and discuss the matter jointly to arrive at a long-term solution, ensuring that the Foundation need not repeatedly approach the platform for content removal.
It was brought to the Court’s attention that Google’s own ad policies prohibit clickbait advertising based on negative life events such as arrest or death, which were not being adequately enforced. The Court also noted that under Intermediary Rules, Google is obligated to deploy technology-based measures, including automated tools, to proactively identify and remove identical or similar content previously taken down due to a court order.
This order follows an earlier Delhi High Court ruling dated May 30, 2025, which granted protection to Sadhguru’s personality rights and directed Google to suspend and disable infringing channels and content. Despite that, fake ads and deepfake videos have continued to circulate, including fraudulent content claiming Sadhguru’s arrest and doctored videos promoting fake investment schemes.
The misleading campaigns have exploited public trust in Sadhguru’s name, luring users into fraudulent websites designed to harvest financial or personal data. The continued spread of such AI-driven misinformation has caused widespread confusion and concern, with thousands reaching out to verify false claims.
Isha Foundation said it remains committed to protecting the public from such scams and urged users to remain vigilant and report any fake advertisements or videos falsely claiming Sadhguru’s arrest by marking them as “Scam” or “Misleading.”
The Foundation also shared the court development on its official X handle: https://x.com/ishafoundation/status/1934475981840138549
