The Indian government has formed an expert panel to assess whether the country’s copyright law can address disputes linked to artificial intelligence (AI). This move follows a legal case against OpenAI, where Indian media companies have accused the firm of using their content without permission to train its ChatGPT chatbot.
Government Forms Expert Group on Copyright and AI
In April, the Ministry of Commerce established a panel of eight experts. The panel includes legal professionals, government representatives, and industry members. An internal ministry memo, reviewed by Reuters, outlines the group’s role in analysing how AI use affects copyright protections in India.
The panel will examine current laws and recommend any necessary updates to the Copyright Act of 1957. It will look into whether the existing legal framework can handle disputes involving AI-generated content and data usage.
Legal Battle Between Indian Publishers and OpenAI
OpenAI is currently facing legal proceedings in the Delhi High Court. A group of Indian media organisations—including NDTV (owned by the Adani Group), Indian Express, Hindustan Times, and the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA)—has accused the company of violating copyright rules.
They claim that OpenAI used their published content without seeking consent. According to the petition, this content trained ChatGPT, giving the chatbot the ability to generate responses using the publishers’ work. The case could set a new standard for how AI firms operate in India.
OpenAI Defends Its Data Practices
OpenAI has rejected the allegations. The company maintains that it trains its models using publicly available data, which it claims does not breach Indian copyright law. OpenAI also provides a tool that allows websites to opt out if they do not want their content used for model training.
The firm has not commented on the ongoing case but insists that its data collection methods follow local and global legal standards.
Global Context: Similar Cases in Other Countries
Similar disputes have emerged in courts across the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. Authors, musicians, and media outlets in these regions have also accused AI firms of using their work without permission.
These lawsuits highlight a growing concern among content creators. Many worry that AI companies are building profitable tools using original material without offering compensation or credit.
Indian Copyright Law Faces Scrutiny
India’s Copyright Act, originally passed in 1957, does not directly address AI. While the Indian copyright law has undergone several amendments, legal experts argue that it does not fully cover complex digital technologies or modern data practices.
The new expert panel will study these gaps. It will also review how other countries handle similar issues and whether Indian law should include clauses specific to AI-generated content and data training.
Possible Outcomes for the Tech and Media Sectors
The Delhi High Court’s ruling could significantly affect the Indian media and tech industries. If the court rules in favour of the publishers, AI companies may need to revise how they collect and use data. They might also need to seek licences from content owners.
A judgement in favour of OpenAI, however, may raise concerns among publishers and could push the government to introduce stronger legal protections. In either scenario, the case will likely influence India’s AI policy in the coming years.
Ministries Remain Silent on the Matter
The Ministries of Commerce and Information Technology have not issued any public statements. They also did not respond to questions from the media.
The government’s decision to form the expert panel suggests a growing awareness of the legal challenges that AI creates. It also shows a willingness to update laws in response to emerging technologies.
Panel to Submit Recommendations to the Government
The memo does not include a deadline for the panel’s report. However, the group is expected to hold consultations with legal experts, technology companies, and content creators. The panel will then submit its findings and proposals to the government for consideration.
Stakeholders from both the media and tech sectors will be watching closely. The recommendations could lead to new legal obligations for AI developers or offer stronger protections for publishers and creators.
If you’re concerned about how AI affects your copyright or want to protect your original content, Vakilsearch offers expert legal support. From copyright registration to policy reviews, our team ensures your rights stay protected in the digital age.
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