Ashutosh Kaushik: Struggling to get a job due to old videos

Ashutosh Kaushik

American showman and businessman PT Barnum had famously said, "There's no such thing as bad publicity." A principle that many in Indian showbiz fervently believe in. But Ashutosh Kaushik - who enjoyed a brief brush with fame in the aughts, courtesy his victories on MTV Roadies 5.0 in 2007 and Bigg Boss 2 in 2008 - disagrees. The reality show winner moved the Delhi High Court last week, invoking his ‘Right to be forgotten', thereby seeking the removal of certain posts, videos and articles about him on the internet. The court has given Google and other platforms a month's time to respond.

Asked what made him seek legal recourse, Kaushik says, "There is a right to privacy. I was punished for my mistakes long ago, but I feel as if I am being punished even now." He was arrested in 2009 for driving under the influence of alcohol. He says a quick online search about him presents the 12-year-old videos, thus colouring people's idea of him. "Whenever my mother visits [relatives or friends], they show her these videos and articles. I am struggling to get a job because of them. I want the drink-and-drive stories to be pulled down because I have been punished for the [offence]. I realised my mistake, and don't drink anymore. Everybody deserves a [second] chance."

Kaushik, who tied the knot last year, runs a YouTube channel. He says that the long shelf-life of these videos have not only hindered his career prospects, but also affected him emotionally. "I have forgotten these episodes, but these old articles and videos affect me mentally. I get suicidal thoughts. During the lockdown last year, when [an acquaintance] chanced upon a video, he messaged me, asking, ‘What have you done?' I had to then explain that it's an old video." The next hearing is on December 1.

What is the ‘Right to be forgotten'?

Section 20 of the Personal Data Protection Bill 2019 proposes that an individual has the right to restrict or prevent the continuing disclosure of his personal data under certain conditions. However, according to the proposed bill, his/her rights are subject to authorisation by the Data Protection Authority.