Copyright Dispute Erupts Again: ANI Clashes with Mohak Mangal over 'Fair Use' in Copyright Violation Matter
ANI and Indian YouTubers Engage in Copyright Dispute
In a series of accusations, several Indian YouTube content creators, including Mohak Mangal and Sumit, have levied allegations against Asian News International (ANI) for extortion. The creators claim that ANI has sought huge sums of money to revoke copyright strikes on their videos that analyze the news content, asserting that such use falls under fair use.
Other creators, including political commentator Sumit, have reported similar experiences with ANI, alleging they were pressured to pay substantial amounts to resolve copyright issues. The tension surrounding copyright enforcement underscores the ambiguity of fair dealing provisions in India’s Copyright Act, making it challenging for content creators to navigate the rapidly evolving digital realm.
Mohak Mangal, one of the affected YouTubers, has written to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, voicing concerns that the enforcement of such copyright claims curbs creative expression and sets a questionable precedent. Some smaller creators allegedly felt coerced into paying the exorbitant fees demanded by ANI to prevent further copyright claims and keep their channels functioning.
ANI, in response, emphasizes its position as a copyright holder with the right to enforce licensing requirements and the possibility for creators to pursue legal avenues if they disagree with the claims. The company underscores its substantial investment in content production and maintains its actions are aligned with copyright law.
The controversy has propelled a broader discussion about the boundaries of fair use, platforms' role in settling disputes, and the balance between intellectual property protection and fostering public discourse. Several news outlets and human rights organizations have expressed concerns that these practices may endanger independent journalism and creator liberty in India.
At the current moment, the legal or regulatory intervention remains untested as there are no widely reported court cases between ANI and individual YouTubers concerning these allegations. The dispute largely persists within the realm of public debate and platform-level action.
Sources:[1] The Hindu[2] Scroll.in[3] The Quint[4] News18[5] India Today
- The media ecosystem in India is facing scrutiny over the copyright dispute between ANI and several YouTubers, raising questions about fair use of technology-based content, such as news analysis and tech-focused videos.
- The escalating issue between ANI and content creators like Sumit and Mohak Mangal has led to an instrumental dialogue about the balance between advertising revenue, copyright law, and the preservation of creative expression and independent journalism in the digital space.
- The conversation surrounding the use of technology in education and the digital media landscape has become increasingly relevant in the context of the ongoing copyright dispute between ANI and Indian YouTubers, as concerns about intellectual property rights and creator independence continue to persist.
