The Centre has begun reviewing the Copyright Act, 1957 to assess whether it is equipped to handle legal and policy challenges arising from the rapid adoption of generative artificial intelligence. The Lok Sabha was informed of this development on Tuesday, amid growing concerns over the use of copyrighted material in training AI systems.

The review comes at a time when AI tools rely heavily on vast datasets, often including protected creative works, raising questions around ownership, authorship and the scope of legal protection. These developments have prompted debates globally on how existing copyright frameworks should evolve to remain relevant in the age of artificial intelligence.

In a written response to a question raised by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said that the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has constituted an eight-member expert committee. Formed in April this year, the panel has been tasked with examining whether current copyright provisions adequately address AI-related challenges.

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The committee has already completed Part 1 of a working paper that focuses on the use of copyrighted content for training AI models. This document has been released for public consultation, allowing stakeholders to share feedback. The next phase of the study will examine complex issues such as authorship, ownership and the copyrightability of AI-generated content.

According to the Centre, the committee’s mandate includes analysing gaps in the existing legal framework and recommending changes where necessary. Based on its findings, the panel will finalise a comprehensive working paper for publication, which could shape future policy decisions on AI and intellectual property.

The Copyright Act, 1957 is India’s primary law for protecting creative works, covering literature, music, art, films and sound recordings. While the law has undergone multiple amendments, including a major update in 2012 to address digital challenges, the current review signals the government’s intent to adapt copyright protections to the evolving realities of artificial intelligence.

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