DNPA Calls for Protection of Copyright in AI Model Training on News Content

The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA), which represents traditional news publishers with a digital presence, said that AI model developers should compensate news publishers fairly for training on their content.

The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA), which represents traditional media organizations with a robust digital presence, is urgently advocating for the protection of copyright in the training of Artificial Intelligence models using news content. 

In a powerful statement released on June 21, 2025, the DNPA emphasized the necessity for AI developers to fairly compensate news publishers for their content. As part of a comprehensive review facilitated by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce, the DNPA is actively participating in discussions regarding the critical intersection of AI and copyright. 

A specialized committee, established in April, is leading this examination, guided by DPIIT Secretary Himani Pande, with meetings held recently to address these pressing issues. The DNPA firmly asserts that the unauthorized use of digital news publishers’ content for AI training and subsequent generative applications, such as search assistance and information provision, constitutes a blatant infringement of copyright. 

This stance is not merely a call to action; it reflects a broader commitment to recognizing and defending the intellectual property rights of content creators. The DNPA believes that a structured framework ensuring fair compensation for these producers is essential for the sustainable growth of the digital news media sector in India.

Earlier this year, the DNPA intervened in a significant copyright lawsuit brought by Asian News International (ANI) in the Delhi High Court. In this case, they highlighted concerns that OpenAI’s training of its models on publicly available news content poses a serious threat to the intellectual property rights of publishers. 

In response, OpenAI defended its practices by citing longstanding legal precedents that support its use of public content. The DNPA’s mission to secure fair compensation and protect copyright rights is crucial not only for their members but also for fostering a healthy digital news ecosystem. 

The Government of India’s initiatives in this area will play a vital role in ensuring fairness and sustainability within the rapidly evolving landscape of digital news media.