Archive · 10 Dec 2025
India Proposes AI Copyright Licensing Model
The Indian government has released a plan to handle copyright issues with AI.
They looked at different ways other countries do it and decided none were perfect for India.
They don't want AI companies to use content for free without paying creators.
Instead, they propose a new system where AI developers can use content to train their systems without asking permission first.
But when they sell these AI tools, they have to pay royalties.
These royalties will be collected and given to creators.
The government wants people to give their opinions on this plan in the next month.
Some people, like AI companies, think this plan might be too strict, while others, like creators, think it's fair and necessary to protect their work.
DPIIT proposed a hybrid licensing model for AI and copyright, allowing blanket licensing for AI training but requiring royalties upon commercial launch.
The model aims to lower compliance costs for AI startups, reduce litigation risk, and create a level playing field between large and small players.
A government-designated non-profit body will manage licensing and royalty distribution, comprising copyright societies and collective management organizations.
The proposal rejects the tech industry's push for a broad 'text-and-data-mining' (TDM) exception and opt-out models, citing the unreasonable burden they place on creators.
The policy is open for public consultation for 30 days to gather feedback, and it is part of India's broader IndiaAI Mission to position itself as a global AI hub.
- Who
- Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
- What
- Proposed a hybrid licensing model for AI and copyright
- When
- April 28 (committee formation), current date (paper release)
- Where
- India
- Why
- To address copyright challenges arising from generative AI and to create a level playing field between large and small AI players
- Department
- Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
- Committee Size
- 8 members
- Committee Formation Date
- April 28
- Proposed Licensing Model
- Hybrid (compulsory blanket licensing)
- Royalty Payment Timing
- Upon commercial launch of AI tools
- Public Consultation Period
- 30 days
- Government-Designated Collecting Body
- Non-profit royalty-collection body comprising copyright societies and collective management organizations
- IndiaAI Mission Budget
- ₹10,300 crore
Sources
DPIIT releases draft policy on AI and copyright, proposes new hybrid licensing model
India recommends AI firms to pay creator royalties at govt panel-set rates
India proposes sweeping AI–copyright overhaul with ‘one nation, one licence, one payment’ model
AI Developers to Get Mandatory Licence for Copyrighted Data Use
Govt panel backs mandatory AI licensing for copyrighted works
In world first, India moves to compel AI developers to pay creators for model training data
State should reclaim its role, shape digital markets
