OpenAI, an Artificial Intelligence company and maker of popular Chatbot ChatGPT, has been sued in India over AI use of copyrighted content.
The company was reportedly sued by Asian News International (ANI), one of India’s largest news agencies. ANI filed a 287-page lawsuit against OpenAI in the Delhi High Court, with allegations centering on the unauthorized use of its content to train AI models.
The news agency further noted that such act carried out by OpenAI could generate false attributions and set a major precedent for AI companies operating in India, the world’s most populous nation.
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This lawsuit marks the first instance of an Indian media organization is suing OpenAl over copyright concerns. ANI’s accusations include claims that ChatGPT fabricated interviews attributed to the agency, such as a non-existent conversation with Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition party. ANI further argues that such “hallucinations” not only damage its reputation but also pose risks of spreading misinformation that could lead to public disorder.
During the hearing on Tuesday, Justice Amit Bansal issued a summons to OpenAl but refrained from granting an injunction, noting the complex legal and technical issues involved. OpenAl confirmed that ChatGPT no longer accesses ANI’s website, and the next hearing is scheduled for January.
“We take great care in our products and design process to support news organizations,” said an OpenAL spokesperson in a statement to TechCrunch. “We are actively engaged in constructive partnerships and conversations with many news organizations around the world, including India, to explore opportunities, listen to feedback, and work collaboratively.”
OpenAl’s counsel, Amit Sibal, arqued that facts are not protected under copyright law and that websites have the option to opt out of data collection. Additionally, OpenAl claimed the case lacked jurisdiction as the company does not operate servers in India. In response, ANI’s lawyer, Sidhant Kumar of UNUM Law, asserted that public availability of content does not equate to the right to exploit it.
It is understood that makers of generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT have been accused of using copious amounts of copyrighted news material to train their chatbots. There are concerns that unauthorized use will harm existing markets that acknowledge the value of archived and real-time quality content.
With OpenAI already facing lawsuits in the US, Canada and Germany, this case adds momentum to global calls for stricter AI governance. It underscores the growing tension between AI Innovation and intellectual property rights. For OpenAI, the outcome will likely influence its approach to content sourcing, partnerships and compliance in India and beyond.
