Delhi High Court Seeks Response from OpenAI in Copyright Dispute

The Delhi High Court has taken a significant step in addressing the growing concerns over the use of copyrighted content by AI platforms. On Monday, the court sought a response from OpenAI regarding an application filed by the Indian Music Industry (IMI), which seeks to intervene in a suit filed by news agency Asian News International (ANI) over the alleged unauthorized use of its content to train and operate ChatGPT. This development underscores the increasing scrutiny of AI platforms’ use of proprietary content and the potential impact on various industries.

The dispute began in 2024 when ANI sued OpenAI in a New Delhi court, accusing the company of using its published content without permission to train the artificial intelligence chatbot, ChatGPT. ANI alleges that OpenAI’s use of its content not only infringes on its copyright but also misattributes fabricated news stories to the publication. OpenAI has since stated that it has stopped using ANI’s content for training purposes.

The Indian Music Industry (IMI), which includes top Bollywood music labels such as T-Series, Saregama, and Sony, has expressed concerns about the improper use of their recordings to train AI models. These labels are seeking to join the copyright lawsuit against OpenAI, highlighting the broader implications of AI’s use of copyrighted material. The IMI’s intervention underscores the potential impact on the music industry, where AI models could potentially infringe on the rights of artists and labels.

OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, has maintained that it is not obligated to enter into partnership deals with media groups to utilize publicly available content. The company has argued that its use of publicly available data is within legal boundaries. However, the Delhi High Court’s intervention suggests that the scope of permissible use may need further clarification.

During the hearing, Justice Amit Bansal observed that the scope of the suit could not be expanded indefinitely, stating, “We can’t keep expanding the scope of the suit; you can file your own suit. Hundreds of industries may be affected by it”. This observation highlights the need for clear guidelines on the use of copyrighted content by AI platforms to avoid a flood of litigation from various industries.

The matter is listed for further hearing on February 21, Friday. This upcoming hearing will be crucial in determining the legal boundaries for AI platforms’ use of copyrighted material. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of AI development and its interaction with traditional media and entertainment industries.

The case against OpenAI is not an isolated incident. In 2023 and 2024, OpenAI faced multiple lawsuits for alleged copyright infringement from authors and media companies whose work was used to train some of its products. This trend indicates a growing concern over the ethical and legal implications of AI’s use of copyrighted content.

The Delhi High Court’s intervention in the copyright dispute involving OpenAI and ANI highlights the need for clear legal frameworks governing the use of copyrighted material by AI platforms. As AI continues to evolve and integrate into various aspects of society, ensuring that it respects intellectual property rights will be crucial. The upcoming hearing will be a significant milestone in defining these boundaries and setting precedents for future cases. The legal community, tech industry, and content creators will be closely watching the developments in this case, as its outcome could shape the future of AI and copyright law.