Indian Celebs Battle Spyware, Porn Images

NEW DELHI, India — As the technology of multimedia messaging systems (MMS) continues to grow, so does the number of Indian celebrities whose images are broadcasted as adult images through morphing and breaching privacy.

During 2005, MMS messages of various Indian actresses, including Preity Zinta, Manisha Koirala and Mallika Sherawat, were victims of spycams, pornographic images and other media portrayals that were posted to various websites, though none of the women knowingly were involved with any such projects.

Currently, another wave of morphed porn images has struck Indian celebs, targeting actresses Sania Mirza and Kareena Kapoor. One image includes Kapoor changing her clothes in what appears to be a dressing room at one of her shootings.

Many of the images are taken using spycams, mobile phones with cameras and webcams. And while the same actions in the U.S. would mean millions of dollars in legal damages, in India, the law provides no recourse for victims of spycams and morphed pornographic images.

"In Kareena's case, it was someone in the film unit who was paid to plant a camera,” film executive Mahesh Bhatt said. “The industry needs to wake up to this malaise. An example must be made of culprits and legal action must be taken, to act as deterrence."

But film director Suneel Darshan said that even if the country was allowed to track hidden cameras, as is permitted in the U.S., it doesn’t necessarily have the resources or knowledge to do so. Even Indian police have a tough time tracking an MMS image because the data needed is generally not available to service providers.

"We [also] need a written complaint to track the wrong-doers, something people generally don't wish to do,” a senior official with the Delhi Police’s Cyber Cell said. “The police finds it’s like asking a tech for something which just doesn't exist.”

Despite the lack of laws to deal with the problem, Manisha Koirala, who recently was involved in an MMS controversy, said it’s important for Indians to know that if they file a complaint, there’s a 50 percent chance of winning the case in court, even with little evidence.

“People usually like to keep mum," Koirala said. “Our legal system needs to be such that the citizens have faith in it and feel safe and the guilty are punished."

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More