Over the past few months, a tempest has been brewing in India's digital content space, and at its eye is ANI (Asian News International), one of the nation's biggest news agencies. The controversy? ANI has been sending multiple copyright strikes to YouTube creators, even big names like Mohak Mangal, for employing short excerpts—sometimes as short as 9 to 11 seconds—of its news reportage. The creators maintain their use is under the exception of "fair dealing" in Indian copyright law. ANI, however, perceives it as infringement.
According to India's Copyright Act, 1957, "fair dealing" permits restricted use in copyright material for purposes including criticism, review, reporting current events, or private study. But unlike the U.S. doctrine of "fair use," Indian law does not have a set checklist. Courts analyze each case based on context, intention, and economic effect on the copyright holder.
The controversy grew when Mangal accused ANI of asking for ₹50 lakh to withdraw two copyright complaints on his channel. He charged that ANI was more interested in bullying creators into costly licensing agreements than in protecting intellectual property. A few other YouTubers shared similar experiences, with some of them reportedly paying ₹15–25 lakh to settle claims.
This has sparked a broader debate: Is ANI safeguarding its content, or is it weaponizing copyright law to suppress independent voices? Critics argue that ANI’s approach undermines the spirit of fair dealing, especially when creators use clips for commentary or news analysis—core tenets of democratic discourse. Supporters of ANI, however, maintain that unauthorized use, no matter how brief, is still a violation of rights.
The Delhi High Court is now in the position of having to navigate this legal gray area. Its decision may establish a precedent for the way Indian law understands fair dealing in the digital era of content creation.
In the meantime, the controversy is currently a boiling point for the long-standing pull-and-pull between traditional media and new-generation creators. It begs the urgent questions of access, power, and the future of free expression in India's digital environment.
If you are a content creator, this is more than legal drama—it's a wake-up call. Learn your rights, know the law, and in case of doubt, seek out legal counsel. The next copyright strike may not only bring down a video—it may silence a voice.
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