India's AI Copyright Overhaul: Proposed Licensing Model Sparks Industry Debate

• India is debating how to treat copyrighted material used to train AI systems, with a new working paper from DPIIT proposing a solution.
• The proposed "hybrid model" includes a blanket license for AI developers to use lawfully accessed content and a new entity (CRCAT) to collect and distribute royalties.
• Royalties would be paid only when an AI product is commercialized, calculated as a percentage of global revenue, with retroactive obligations.
• Technology firms oppose the model, citing concerns about complexity, compliance costs, lack of a Text and Data Mining (TDM) exception, and compulsory licensing.
• The working paper is currently open for public consultation, with future discussions on copyright for AI-generated content.

Why It Matters: India's AI copyright model sets a precedent for global tech and creators.