Govt Expected To Roll Out New AI Legislation To Safeguard News Publishers' Rights

To protect news publishers' and content creators' interests and minimise any potential harm to users, the government is currently formulating new regulations on artificial intelligence (AI).

Ashwini Vaishnaw, the union minister for Electronics and Information Technology, reportedly told the media that the proposed law aims to create a fair distribution of benefits among news publishers, content creators and stakeholders in AI-driven technologies like large language models, while also guaranteeing strong security measures.

This law could be part of the Digital India effort, which would replace the Information Technology Act of 2000, which has been in force for 24 years, or it could be a stand-alone statute.

Vaishnav argues that protecting livelihoods in the face of technological advancements is just as crucial to creativity as protecting intellectual property rights and making economic sense.

Additionally, he stated that technology businesses have been informed of these viewpoints and that, in theory, a broad consensus has been established.

Industry officials have acknowledged that similar problems exist throughout the world, but they are eager to work with the government to find answers.

The creation of a self-regulatory organisation has reportedly been suggested, but the minister has voiced doubts about its efficacy and is in favour of legal regulation.

Consultations with industry stakeholders have already taken place, and a formal consultation paper will be launched post-elections, paving the way for legislative action.

Last year, major news organisations across the world wrote an open letter directed at regulators and AI-focused tech companies. They called on lawmakers around the world to frame rules to protect copyright in the use of news content for training generative AI models. They also want regulators to facilitate compensation for publishers for the AI-centric use of their published news content by tech giants. The open letter was signed by Getty Images, Agence France-Presse, Associated Press, European Publishers’ Council, Gannett, Authors Guild, European Pressphoto Agency, National Press Photographers Association, News Media Alliance, and National Writers Union.