Delhi High Court Demands Answers from Meta on Copyright Tool Abuse

The Delhi High Court has stepped in, demanding clear answers from tech giant Meta regarding its "Rights Manager" tool, a crucial platform designed to protect intellectual property online. This directive follows a wave of alarming concerns that fraudulent actors are allegedly exploiting this copyright-protection mechanism, turning it against original content creators.

The court's intervention comes after a suit was filed by prominent content creator and business coach Mohit Kumar, known by his social media handle "Rise With Mohit." Mr. Kumar, through his legal representatives, revealed a troubling pattern: scammers would first copy his original videos, then upload them to Meta's Rights Manager, falsely claiming ownership. Armed with these fraudulent registrations, they would then issue copyright strikes against Mr. Kumar’s own accounts, disrupting his work and potentially damaging his reputation.

Adding to the controversy, Mr. Kumar's counsel informed the court that despite applying for access to the Rights Manager tool three times, his applications were rejected without any specific reasons. They highlighted a perceived disparity, noting that creators with smaller audiences had seemingly gained access, while established creators like Mr. Kumar, with substantial viewership, engagement, and commercial collaborations, were allegedly being denied this critical protection. The consequences for Mr. Kumar extended beyond just content removal; his audience engagement, commercial collaborations, and ability to sell courses were all negatively impacted.

In response to the court’s query, Meta’s counsel stated that the copyright strikes in dispute had been reversed following technical verification, and the removed content had been restored. However, Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani was not satisfied with just that. The court has directed Meta to officially place on record its detailed norms and eligibility criteria for granting access to the Rights Manager tool. Furthermore, Meta must also disclose the specific grounds upon which applications for the tool may be rejected, aiming for greater transparency and fairness in its copyright enforcement system. The date of this significant development was Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

This case shines a spotlight on the complex challenges faced by content creators in safeguarding their original work on vast digital platforms and underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring accountability from tech companies. The High Court's push for clarity is a significant step towards protecting intellectual property and fostering a fairer online environment for creators worldwide.

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