Fair Use or Foul Play? The Mohak Mangal vs. ANI Copyright Clash -

The recent dispute between YouTuber Mohak Mangal and news agency Asian News International (ANI) has ignited a significant debate over copyright enforcement, fair use, and the rights of digital content creators in India.

The Dispute Unfolds

On May 20, 2025, Mohak Mangal, known for his educational and policy analysis videos, received a copyright strike from ANI for using an 11-second clip in a video discussing the Kolkata rape case. A second strike followed shortly after for a 9-second clip in a video about Operation Sindoor featuring Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Under YouTube’s policy, accumulating three copyright strikes within 90 days can lead to the permanent deletion of a channel. Concerned about the potential loss of his platform, Mangal’s team reached out to ANI. According to Mangal, ANI demanded a payment of ₹45–50 lakh to retract the strikes and offered a two-year license to use their footage.

Allegations of Extortion

Mangal publicly accused ANI of misusing copyright laws to extort money from content creators. He shared recorded conversations and emails where ANI representatives allegedly insisted on hefty payments to resolve the strikes. Mangal emphasized that his use of short clips for educational and commentary purposes should fall under “fair use” provisions. He also highlighted that other creators faced similar demands, with some reportedly paying substantial amounts to ANI to avoid channel termination.

Legal Framework: Fair Use vs. Copyright Infringement

Under India’s Copyright Act, Section 52(1)(a) allows for “fair dealing” with copyrighted material for purposes such as criticism, review, and reporting current events, provided proper acknowledgment is given. Mangal argues that his use of brief clips for analysis and commentary aligns with these provisions. However, the ambiguity in interpreting “fair use” often leads to disputes, especially in the digital realm where automated systems like YouTube’s Content ID can issue strikes without considering context.

Community and Political Response

The controversy has garnered widespread attention, with several prominent YouTubers, including Dhruv Rathee and Thugesh, expressing support for Mangal and criticizing ANI’s actions as an “extortion racket.” Political figures have also taken note; Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale has sought explanations from Google regarding YouTube’s copyright strike policies, emphasizing the threat such practices pose to independent journalism.

Broader Implications

This case underscores the challenges digital content creators face in navigating copyright laws and platform policies. The reliance on automated systems for copyright enforcement can lead to disproportionate consequences for creators, especially when large organizations leverage these systems to demand substantial payments. The situation calls for a reevaluation of how copyright laws are applied in the digital age, ensuring they protect intellectual property rights without stifling creativity and free expression.

Conclusion

The Mohak Mangal vs. ANI dispute highlights the need for clearer guidelines and fairer enforcement mechanisms concerning copyright in the digital space. As content creation continues to evolve, balancing the rights of original content owners with the principles of fair use and freedom of expression remains a critical challenge.

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