Digital
Creative industries unite to push for stronger copyright in AI era
Industry leaders urge consent-led AI policy to protect creators and growth
MUMBAI: India’s creative industries are closing ranks on a key issue of the moment: how to protect copyright in the fast-moving age of artificial intelligence. At a series of roundtables held across Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad, leaders from film, music, publishing and broadcasting called on policymakers to strengthen copyright frameworks rather than dilute them.
The discussions brought together stakeholders from across the ecosystem, which remains a major economic engine. According to industry estimates, India’s media and entertainment sector is valued at Rs 2.78 trillion, contributes about 0.8 per cent to GDP, and supports nearly 2.8 million direct jobs, along with over 10 million indirect roles. The sector is projected to cross Rs 3 trillion by 2027, underlining its growth momentum.
Within this, the screen industries alone generated roughly Rs 5.1 lakh crore in economic output in 2024 and supported more than 2.6 million jobs, highlighting the scale of what is at stake if copyright protections are weakened.
At the heart of the discussions was a clear ask: any AI policy must be built on consent, voluntary licensing and stronger enforcement. Industry bodies argued that allowing unrestricted access to copyrighted works for AI training could undermine both creativity and investment.
A whitepaper titled AI in the Creative Industry: Deepening the Value Chain, released by Koan Advisory in association with Creative First, noted that AI is already being used across filmmaking and content creation, but must operate within a framework that respects creators’ rights.
At the Delhi roundtable, chaired by Sanjeev Sanyal, principal economic advisor to the prime minister, participants raised concerns over proposals that could allow blanket access to copyrighted material for AI training. They urged the government to retain the current copyright framework rooted in voluntary licensing.
Industry voices struck a firm and unified tone. Motion Picture Association vice president VOD, digital affairs and intellectual property asia pacific James Cheatley said, “What we witnessed at this week’s stakeholder roundtables in India was both encouraging and important. India’s creative industries demonstrated real leadership and foresight in recognising that strong copyright is not a barrier to innovation, but its foundation, especially in the age of AI.”
From the film sector, Film Federation of India president Abhay Sinha said, “Digital India must not become free for all India. Our creative works cannot be treated as raw material for someone else’s business model.”
Music and broadcasting leaders echoed similar concerns. Indian Music Industry president Blaise Fernandes said, “Globally, deals are being done between copyright holders and AI companies. Why cannot the same be applicable to India.”
Producers Guild of India CEO Nitin Tej Ahuja said, “India’s creative economy runs on one simple principle: if you use someone’s work or intellectual property, you must respect their rights.”
Meanwhile, Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation secretary general Avinash Pandey said, “India’s ambition to be a global content hub depends on trust. Creators must trust the market will pay fairly, and investors must trust rights can be enforced.”
Across discussions, one idea stood out clearly: AI and copyright are not rivals but partners. Leaders stressed that innovation can thrive alongside strong legal protections, provided policy strikes the right balance.
As India positions itself as both a creative powerhouse and an AI innovator, the message from industry is simple and sharp: protect the rights that power creativity, or risk weakening the very ecosystem that fuels growth.
