On May 26, 2025, popular Indian YouTuber Mohak Mangal, known for his policy-driven content with 4.16 million subscribers, accused news agency Asian News International (ANI) of exploiting YouTube’s copyright strike system to extort creators. In a viral video titled “Dear ANI,” Mangal revealed receiving two strikes for using 11-second and 9-second ANI clips in videos about the Kolkata rape case and Operation Sindoor, respectively. He alleges ANI demanded ₹45–50 lakh to remove the strikes, threatening channel deletion. The controversy, unfolding in New Delhi, has sparked a debate on fair use and creator rights, prompting Mangal to seek intervention from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
A Creator’s Stand Against Alleged Extortion
Mangal’s exposé details how ANI issued a strike for an 11-second clip in a 16-minute video and another for a 9-second clip of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a 38-minute video. With YouTube’s policy allowing channel termination after three strikes, Mangal claims ANI leveraged this to demand ₹48 lakh plus GST for strike removal and a two-year footage subscription. Recorded calls shared in his video reveal an ANI representative allegedly saying, “You’ve received two strikes; six more are coming.” Mangal argues his usage qualifies as fair use under India’s Copyright Act, Section 52, for commentary and reporting. He’s escalated the issue to Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, citing threats to India’s creator economy.
Community Backlash and Broader Implications
The creator community rallied behind Mangal, with YouTubers like Dhruv Rathee and Nitish Rajput condemning ANI’s tactics. Rathee called it an “extortion racket,” while creator Paurush Sharma reported similar demands for ₹18 lakh.
A Call for Fair Use Clarity
Mangal’s case highlights gaps in India’s copyright framework, where fair use for brief, credited clips in transformative content remains contentious. Legal experts cite the 2016 India TV vs. Yashraj Films case, supporting fair dealing for commentary. With no response from ANI or YouTube India as of May 27, 2025, Mangal’s fight underscores the need for balanced copyright enforcement to protect creators shaping India’s digital landscape.
-By Manoj H