New Delhi: In response to growing backlash over Asian News International’s (ANI) alleged copyright clampdown on digital creators, the Press Trust of India (PTI) has announced a new initiative offering affordable video access for YouTubers and social media content producers.
The move comes in the wake of allegations made by YouTuber Mohak Mangal, who claimed that ANI issued multiple copyright strikes against his channel for including short news footage. According to Mangal, ANI later demanded a hefty ₹48 lakh plus GST to retract the claims. The revelation triggered widespread outrage across the creator community, sparking debates over fair use and the need for clearer digital content rights in India.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PTI said it aimed to support responsible content creation by making its video archives available at “highly affordable” rates for individual YouTube creators and those publishing on social media. While the exact pricing structure has not yet been disclosed, the announcement is being hailed as a progressive step towards bridging the gap between mainstream media and independent content creators.
The initiative not only offers a potential safeguard for creators against legal risks but also signals PTI’s willingness to engage with the fast-evolving digital landscape. It contrasts with ANI’s approach and could pave the way for more collaborative models between legacy media institutions and India’s booming creator economy.
As the call for transparent copyright and licensing policies grows louder, PTI’s decision may serve as a positive precedent, promoting more accessible and creator-friendly practices within the country’s online media ecosystem.
