MP Raghav Chadha Bats For Indian Creators, Calls for Update to Copyright Act

AAP MP Raghav Chadha raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha over the impact of copyright strikes on Indian digital creators, calling for urgent changes to the Copyright Act. He said automated and algorithm-driven systems on digital platforms are increasingly deciding the livelihoods of creators, which should instead be governed by clear law. Chadha argued that millions of Indian creators are facing uncertainty as channels and pages are taken down due to copyright claims, often without adequate explanation or recourse.

Digital Creators and Livelihood Concerns

Speaking in the Parliament, Chadha said digital creators today are not limited to entertainment. They include educators, reviewers, satirists, musicians, and influencers who act as grassroots communicators across India.

For many of them, a YouTube channel or an Instagram page is not a side activity but their primary source of income and a result of years of consistent work. He noted that this work can be wiped out within minutes due to arbitrary copyright strikes, causing serious financial and professional damage.

Fair Use and Copyright Strikes

Chadha highlighted that creators often receive copyright strikes even when they use only two or three seconds of copyrighted material. Such use is frequently for commentary, criticism, parody, education, or news reporting.

In some cases, the copyrighted material is incidental, such as music or video clips playing briefly in the background. Despite this, platforms may issue strikes that lead to content removal or complete channel takedowns.

He stated that fair use should not be treated as piracy. While protecting the rights of copyright holders is important, punishing creators for transformative or incidental use is unjust. According to Chadha, creativity cannot thrive if creators are constantly worried about takedowns driven by automated systems.

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Need to Update the Copyright Act

Chadha pointed out that India’s Copyright Act of 1957 was drafted long before the rise of the internet, social media platforms, or the creator economy. While the law refers to “fair dealing,” it largely applies to books, journals, and magazines, and does not clearly address digital content. This lack of clarity, he said, leaves creators vulnerable, as there is no well-defined standard for digital fair use.

Key Demands Placed Before the House

Chadha placed three key demands before the Rajya Sabha. First, the Copyright Act must be amended to clearly define digital fair use, covering commentary, satire, critique, explanation, educational use, public interest use, and non-commercial use.

Second, copyright enforcement should follow the principle of proportionality, ensuring that the use of a few seconds of content does not result in an entire channel being taken down.

Third, he called for mandatory due process before takedowns, so creators are given a fair opportunity to respond or appeal before punitive action is taken.

His intervention reflects growing concerns within India’s creator economy, as more individuals depend on digital platforms for stable income and long-term careers.