New Delhi: In a strong message to tech giants, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has asserted that digital platforms using news content must share revenue with media organizations — or be prepared for legal intervention.
Speaking at the DNPA Conclave organized by the Digital News Publishers Association, the Minister highlighted that several countries have already enacted laws mandating revenue-sharing arrangements between digital platforms and news publishers. If companies fail to voluntarily adopt a fair mechanism in India, similar legislative measures could be considered, he warned.
Vaishnaw emphasized that the move is not limited to large media houses but extends to independent creators, journalists, influencers, professors, and researchers — including those operating from remote regions. Ensuring fair compensation across the digital ecosystem is essential, he noted.
The Minister also underlined the growing need for accountability in the age of artificial intelligence and synthetic media. Social media platforms must take responsibility for the content they host, minister said, cautioning against the unauthorized use of an individual’s face or voice to create synthetic content. Explicit consent is mandatory in such cases, he stressed.
The Centre’s firm stance signals a push toward stronger digital regulation, fair revenue distribution, and enhanced accountability in India’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
