The Delhi High Court has recently ordered the takedown of social media profiles, links, and groups using Akshay Tanna’s persona, reputation, and goodwill to carry out investment scams. Several social media groups and profiles were created on Telegram and other platforms using the name of Akshay Tanna from KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts). These profiles and groups were encouraging people to join the groups and make payments for investments. A deep fake video purporting to be that of Akshay Tanna was also created to attract customers.
Noting the large-scale misuse of his persona and investment-related fraudulent activities being carried out by unknown third parties, Akshay Tanna filed a suit before the Delhi High Court against John Does, Telegram, and others. After reviewing the facts, the Court granted an exparte injunction in favour of the plaintiff. It asked Telegram and other platforms to take down the profiles and groups and passed a restraining order preventing any further use of Akshay’s persona.
Citation: AKSHAY TANNA vs JOHN DOE & ORS., High Court of Delhi, 05th February, 2024, CS(COMM) 92/2024 & I.A. 2257/2024
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