Indian Minister Urges Online Platforms to Share Content Revenue Fairly

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stressed the importance of online platforms assuming accountability for the content they host. Speaking at the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Conclave, Vaishnaw urged that platforms must not only ensure the safety of users, particularly children, but also adopt fair revenue-sharing models with original content creators.

In his address, delivered on February 26, 2026, the Minister highlighted ongoing societal concerns about the monetisation landscape of digital content. He expressed that platforms benefiting from journalistic and creative works must provide equitable compensation to everyone in the content creator ecosystem, including conventional media, researchers, influencers, and independent creators.

"I will request all the platforms to rethink your revenue sharing policies because that is also one of the major concerns that the entire society today is raising," Vaishnaw remarked. He cautioned that should platforms fail to adjust their revenue-sharing practices voluntarily, legal measures could be enacted, citing examples from other countries that have pursued this approach.

Vaishnaw further delved into the detrimental effects of synthetic media, including deepfakes and misinformation, which threaten public trust in various institutions such as the judiciary and media. He articulated that these emerging technologies, if misused, could distort societal perceptions.

"The online safety of our citizens is becoming a major concern... authenticity of news content... protection against synthetically generated fake content... all those items really need a very decisive step today," the Minister noted. He reaffirmed that it is the duty of online platforms to monitor and take action against harmful content, as misinformation can proliferate rapidly, causing significant public harm.

The Minister's remarks came amid increasing scrutiny over the responsibilities of social media companies and their effect on societal trust. Vaishnaw also pointed out that regulatory frameworks concerning digital platforms need to evolve to tackle these challenges effectively.

Additionally, he mentioned that the Ministry had previously engaged with these platforms, urging them to adopt necessary measures to prevent crime and cyber fraud, thereby emphasizing a collective responsibility.

In defending the principles of intellectual property, he asserted, "If that intellectual property is not well respected and not fairly compensated, then the growth of society, the growth of science, technology, arts, and literature will all get stunted." The Minister's statements highlight a growing recognition of the interconnected nature of digital content and societal wellbeing amidst ongoing dialogues about the role of technology in news dissemination and public discourse.