In a groundbreaking move, representatives from Bollywood and Hollywood have come together to lobby the Indian government to implement stronger copyright protections for films and creative content, particularly in response to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technologies.
The joint lobbying effort highlights growing concerns that AI models trained on copyrighted films, trailers, and music could generate content without consent, infringing on the intellectual property and commercial rights of creators.
“AI can be transformative for creativity, but it should never replace consent or exploitation of artistic work,”
said Vincent Piket, cultural liaison for international film bodies.
⚖️ Why This Lobbying Matters
With AI technologies becoming increasingly sophisticated, studios and filmmakers face new risks:
Deepfake Ads & Videos: AI can create realistic imitations of actors, potentially harming brand endorsements.
Unauthorized AI Training: Films and trailers can be used as datasets to train AI models without permission.
Loss of Revenue: Creators risk losing income when AI-generated content competes with original works.
Industry experts argue that current Indian copyright laws do not adequately address AI-related challenges, leaving a gap in protection.
“Our goal is to ensure that AI is used responsibly, respecting copyright, creative integrity, and the livelihoods of artists,”
said Komal Nahta, Bollywood trade analyst.
🎥 Bollywood Meets Hollywood
The lobbying groups included major production houses and creative associations from both India and the U.S. They met with the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to advocate for:
Explicit AI Copyright Laws: Defining how AI can and cannot use copyrighted materials.
Licensing Protocols: Ensuring AI companies acquire proper licenses before using film content.
Penalties for Violations: Establishing fines or restrictions for unauthorized AI-generated content.
This collaboration signals an unprecedented global alignment, showing how digital challenges in creative industries transcend borders.
“It’s about protecting creativity worldwide, not just in one country,”
explained Anand Mahadevan, media law expert.
“India is a global hub for film production; what happens here sets precedents internationally.”
🧠 The AI Content Dilemma
Artificial Intelligence can now:
Clone actors’ voices and appearances
Remix or recreate scenes from existing films
Generate realistic trailers or promotional content
While these innovations offer exciting creative opportunities, they also threaten original creators’ rights, especially in India’s booming film and streaming markets.
“Imagine AI recreating a blockbuster trailer or even a scene with a celebrity without consent — it’s not just unethical, it’s illegal under copyright law in most jurisdictions,”
said Abha Singh, cyber law attorney.
🌐 Global Context
Bollywood isn’t alone in addressing AI challenges. In Hollywood, organizations such as SAG-AFTRA and the Motion Picture Association (MPA) have fought to regulate AI-generated content, particularly during the 2023 actors’ strike.
“This is the next frontier for protecting creative industries globally,”
said Ritu Malhotra, consultant on international media law.
“India’s proactive measures could become a benchmark for other nations.”
💬 Industry Reactions
The lobbying effort has received support from filmmakers, actors, and producers:
Karan Johar, producer-director, commented:
“AI can’t replace human creativity. We need rules to protect original work and the future of our industry.”
Independent filmmakers echoed the call for legal clarity, arguing that small studios are particularly vulnerable to AI misuse.
Fans and social media users have also expressed approval, with hashtags like #ProtectFilmsFromAI and #BollywoodHollywoodAI trending online.
🧩 Implications for the Future
If the government implements AI-specific copyright protections, India could see:
Stricter licensing requirements for AI startups using film datasets
Increased revenue safeguards for filmmakers and studios
Global alignment with Hollywood and international IP standards
“This is about protecting creativity, jobs, and cultural heritage,” said Vincent Piket.
“It ensures that innovation and respect for artists go hand in hand.”
✅ Conclusion
The collaboration between Bollywood and Hollywood to lobby for AI copyright protection represents a critical moment in entertainment law. As AI technologies continue to reshape the creative landscape, legal frameworks in India will play a pivotal role in safeguarding films, artists, and audiences alike.
By taking a united stand, the film industries are sending a clear message: AI should enhance creativity, not exploit it.
