New Delhi’s creative industry is pushing back against a controversial proposal that could reshape copyright laws for artificial intelligence. The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPPA) has fired off a strongly worded letter to the government, vehemently opposing the proposed ‘hybrid copyright licensing framework’ for AI training.
This framework, aimed at allowing AI companies to use films, music, and other creative content for training without explicit permissions, has sparked outrage among content creators. IMPPPA argues that it undermines fundamental rights of rights holders, potentially exposing the industry to unprecedented risks.
In a detailed missive dated January 19, the association highlighted consultations with members and key stakeholders, concluding that the current draft is wholly unacceptable. ‘We will not support any regulation that dilutes or overrides the core rights of creators,’ the letter states emphatically.
The stakes are high. IMPPPA warns that this could jeopardize the long-term sustainability and economic viability of India’s creative sector. Globally, creative content is not viewed as free fodder for tech giants; it’s the fruit of laborious effort, substantial investments, and legal ownership by writers, artists, directors, and producers.
Lawsuits are piling up worldwide against unauthorized AI training, with policymakers emphasizing transparency, consent, and fair compensation. Even where exceptions for text and data mining exist, they remain narrowly tailored to avoid harming established licensing markets.
‘Global trends are shifting towards stronger protections and better bargaining power for creators,’ IMPPPA notes. Introducing such a framework in India, where piracy already inflicts massive financial losses on the film industry and erodes investor confidence, would be disastrous.
Legal enforcement in the country is notoriously slow and costly, making unauthorized copying rampant. Without the deterrent of stringent penalties, voluntary and fair negotiations between AI developers and rights holders become impossible.
IMPPPA urges the government to reconsider and prioritize robust protections for creators while promoting voluntary licensing. This balanced approach would foster innovation without burdening the creative community.
The association’s stance underscores a broader call for safeguarding India’s vibrant entertainment ecosystem amid the AI boom.