India Plans Royalty Fee For AI Training On Copyrighted Content
India has proposed new rules that would require companies such as OpenAI and Google to pay royalties if they use copyrighted material to train artificial intelligence models. The plan aims to ensure that writers, artists and publishers are compensated when their work is used for AI development.
Central licence system suggested
Instead of negotiating individually with creators, the proposal suggests a single “blanket licence” that would let AI firms access published content by paying into a central fund. A collective body would then distribute the money to rights holders. The model is designed to simplify payments and avoid tracking which specific content was used.
Mixed response from industry
Technology companies and industry bodies have raised concerns that the system could increase costs and slow innovation. Some argue that training on publicly available material should fall under existing legal exemptions. However, several creator organisations have welcomed the idea, saying it could protect their economic rights.
Next steps
The government has invited public feedback for 30 days before taking a final decision. If the proposal becomes law, India would be among the first countries to enforce mandatory royalty payments for AI training, influencing future global policy on generative AI and copyright.
