Ashwini Vaishnaw demands fair revenue share for content creators

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday urged digital platforms to take full responsibility for the content they host and ensure fair compensation for content creators , stressing that online safety and trust are non-negotiable obligations. Speaking at the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Conclave 2026 in New Delhi, he outlined a comprehensive vision for a safer, more equitable digital ecosystem .

Vaishnaw said that platforms can no longer remain neutral intermediaries shielded from accountability. Drawing an analogy with physical establishments such as hotels, he said digital services must prevent unlawful or harmful activities online. “Platforms must take responsibility for the content they host. The online safety of children and all citizens is their responsibility,” he said.

Highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence , the minister insisted that AI-generated content should not be created without the consent of the person whose likeness, voice, or personality is used . He warned that deepfakes and other synthetic media threaten trust in societal institutions , from families and legal systems to the media. Platforms, he said, must reinforce trust rather than erode it.

A major focus of Vaishnaw’s address was the need for fair revenue sharing . He emphasized that news publishers, content creators, and influencers who generate content that drives engagement must receive equitable compensation. Platforms should voluntarily adopt transparent and fair models , he said, cautioning that legal measures could be pursued if necessary.

The minister also stressed that online platforms must step up against cyber fraud, cybercrime, obscenity, and other harmful content, reinforcing that user safety and ethical responsibility are shared obligations. Vaishnaw concluded by calling for collaboration across technology, media, and policy sectors to build a trustworthy and fair digital environment for all citizens.