Ramdev (File photo)
NEW DELHI: Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday argued against “indiscriminate” blocking orders by courts, saying content in the realm of satire, fair comment and public speech should be protected.The microblogging site took the stand in Delhi HC while opposing a suit by Baba Ramdev alleging large-scale misappropriation and commercial exploitation of his personality, image, and identity across various online and social media platforms through AI-generated content.The counsel for X, formerly Twitter, opposed the demand in such cases invoking personality rights. He referred to a post mentioned in Ramdev’s lawsuit, a meme, and contended that it was satire which was protected in a democracy, adding that the Yoga guru’s “feelings” cannot lead to a blanket sanitisation of the internet, as such orders have a chilling effect on freedom of speech.”This is purely satire. How does this violate personality rights? I fail to understand. This is protected. Satire, fair comment and public speech is protected from personality rights. Satire is part of democracy. There is no democracy without free speech,” the counsel submitted before Justice Jyoti Singh.Both X and Meta said they took down certain offending content. Ramdev’s counsel said the platforms should be fair, and the content in question was damaging his reputation. “The pattern of AI-manipulation and impersonation carries the risk of irreversible dilution of the plaintiff’s spiritual persona… warrants heightened protection,” Ramdev’s lawsuit stated.
