Seeking public views, a government committee has proposed giving a mandatory blanket licence to artificial intelligence developers for using all legally accessed copyright-protected works to train AI systems.
However, the licence should be accompanied by a statutory remuneration right for the copyright holders, according to the committee’s recommendation. These suggestions are part of a working paper prepared by the committee and released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), seeking stakeholders' views. Recognising the growing need for deliberations on emerging issues pertaining to AI (artificial intelligence) systems and copyright, the DPIIT formed a committee on April 28, 2025.
The eight-member panel was headed by additional secretary Himani Pande. It also consists of legal experts, and representatives from industry, and academia.
It was tasked to identify the issues raised by AI systems, examine the existing regulatory framework, assess its adequacy, and recommend changes, if necessary, besides preparing a working paper for consultation with stakeholders. The committee has prepared the working paper — part 1, which was released by the department in the public domain on December 8. It has sought feedback and views of all concerned stakeholders within 30 days.
“With a majority view, the committee decided to recommend a mandatory blanket licence in favour of AI developers for the use of all lawfully accessed copyright-protected works in the training of AI Systems, accompanied by a statutory remuneration right for the copyright holders,” the paper said.
