The Delhi High Court questioned Meta on August 13 about why scammers can exploit its Rights Manager tool to issue fraudulent copyright strikes, according to medianama.com. The court raised concerns over Meta's policy and eligibility criteria for granting access to copyright management tools and why original creators’ applications are rejected. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on September 24.
During the hearing, Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani asked Meta why access to the Rights Manager tool is restricted and how the company determines eligibility. The court also examined allegations by AI and e-commerce coach Mohit Kumar, who claimed scammers downloaded his original Instagram videos, registered them as their own using Meta’s Rights Manager, and issued fraudulent copyright strikes against his accounts. Meta responded that Kumar’s content was reinstated and his accounts were never suspended.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about the misuse of Meta’s copyright management system. MediaNama has tracked multiple instances where creators faced wrongful takedowns, including a journalist whose reel on Prime Minister Modi was removed after receiving a copyright notice from an account impersonating himself. The court directed Meta to restore any content removed due to fraudulent strikes if ownership is proven, underscoring the challenges creators face in protecting their work on large platforms.
The Delhi High Court listed the matter for a detailed hearing on September 24, when Meta will be required to provide further clarifications on its copyright management policies and the safeguards against misuse of its Rights Manager tool.