Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has been granted permission to file a civil suit against unidentified social media users, including Meta, X, and Google, after receiving legal action against fake videos and posts circulating on social media regarding E20 petrol.
For some time now, AI-created deepfake videos and misleading posts have been circulating on social media, falsely portraying Nitin Gadkari and his family as financially benefiting from the government’s E20 ethanol petrol policy.
Nitin Gadkari argued in court that the ethanol blending program is not his ministry’s responsibility. This work is solely overseen by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. An attempt is being made to tarnish his name and family by linking them to this policy.
The Union Minister has sought two things from the court: first, an order to immediately remove the objectionable content. Second, damages of ₹11 crore for damages to his image.
Nitin Gadkari’s lawyers told the court that the action is not aimed at suppressing public opinion or discussion, but rather at holding social media companies accountable for the spread of fake and defamatory content on their platforms.
After hearing his petition, the High Court has given permission to file a case.
E20 refers to petrol mixed with 20 percent ethanol. The government claims this will reduce carbon emissions and reduce crude oil import costs.