India Eyes Mandatory Licence for AI Training on Copyrighted Content

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In a move to address growing concerns over AI training on copyrighted material, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has proposed a blanket licence that would allow AI developers to use lawfully accessed content without individual permissions. The proposed licence would require companies to pay into a central fund, with royalties distributed to creators through a designated government body. This move comes as the Delhi High Court hears India's first major AI copyright case, with the committee behind the proposal arguing that a 'text and data mining exception' would undermine copyright and harm smaller creators. The DPIIT has invited feedback on the proposal within 30 days, with a second working paper on AI-generated content and copyright to be released later. The committee, formed in April, consists of experts from various fields, including law, technology, and industry, and aims to assess whether India's current Copyright Act is adequate for dealing with AI-related challenges.