Someone created a deepfake video of me, what legal action can I take in India?

A manipulated deepfake video showing my face on someone else's body is circulating online and damaging my reputation. I have been reading conflicting things online and I would like to understand what Indian law actually says about this, which Act and Section applies, what the realistic timelines and costs are, and what I should be doing right now to protect my position. If the matter can be resolved without litigation I would prefer that route, but I want to know what my rights are before I agree to anything or sign any document.

Someone created a deepfake video of me, what legal action can I take in India? is governed in India primarily by Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 66D, Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 66E, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 – Section 356 (defamation) and Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 67/67A. The short answer is set out below, followed by the practical steps most people in this situation need to take. Read it alongside the specific provisions named, because the exact relief available to you turns on the facts you can prove on paper.

Section 66E punishes capturing/publishing images violating a person's privacy with up to 3 years imprisonment and fine up to Rs 2 lakh, which can extend to deepfake manipulation depicting private body parts.

If the deepfake is sexually explicit, Sections 67 and 67A (publishing obscene/sexually explicit material electronically) apply, with punishment up to 5-7 years on subsequent conviction.

Deepfakes used to defraud or deceive fall under Section 66D of the IT Act, while reputational harm can be pursued as defamation under Section 356 BNS.

MeitY's advisories under the IT Rules 2021 require platforms to remove deepfake/synthetic media within 36 hours of a government or court order, or lose safe harbour protection.

Report immediately to the platform for takedown and to cybercrime.gov.in, and preserve the video URL/metadata as it may be taken down quickly, losing valuable evidence.

What to do next: 1) Report the deepfake video to the platform for urgent takedown citing IT Rules 2021; 2) File a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in citing Sections 66E/67/67A as applicable; 3) Preserve URLs, screenshots, and metadata before the content is removed; 4) Send a legal notice/file defamation complaint if reputational harm is significant.

If the other side has already issued a notice, filed a case or set a deadline, treat the matter as time-sensitive — most remedies under Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 66D carry limitation periods, and a delay you cannot explain weakens an otherwise strong case. You can post the details on the MyVakeel forum for a practising advocate to review, or book a paid consultation with a Bar Council verified lawyer in this practice area.

Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes and their interpretation change, and outcomes depend on the facts of your case. Please consult a qualified advocate before acting on it.