AI Fears: India's Creative Sector Fights for Copyright

Leaders from India's creative industries recently convened in Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad to advocate for copyright protection against the rise of artificial intelligence. They stressed that copyright underpins creativity, investment, and employment within the nation's significant creative economy.

This sector, valued at ₹2.78 trillion and providing nearly 2.8 million direct jobs, faces potential impacts from AI. The stakeholders urged policymakers to reject any proposals that would weaken copyright. Instead, they called for AI policies grounded in consent for AI training, voluntary licensing agreements, and stronger enforcement mechanisms.

Discussions, including a notable roundtable in New Delhi, highlighted concerns over proposals for blanket access to copyrighted works for AI training. Industry representatives emphasized that AI innovation can coexist with copyright, crucial for responsible AI evolution and sustained economic growth.

Global perspectives were shared, with calls for India to adopt voluntary licensing models already seen internationally. The unified message from creators, producers, and industry voices reinforced the idea that strong copyright is essential for both creativity and technological advancement to thrive.