Indian music creators concerned about proposed additional regulations on digital content: Study

Updated – March 07, 2025 at 09:41 AM.
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New Delhi

The music industry already operates in compliance with the IT Rules 2021 to tackle harms in the digital space

Respondents also expressed concerns that if such regulations are implemented it would increase compliance costs, operational complexity and could also thwart creative expression

Indian music creators are concerned about the impact of the proposed content evaluation standards for digital content. A report by think tank The Dialogue, which surveyed 1,200 Indian artists, noted that nearly three-fourths (72 per cent) of respondents anticipate such compliance requirements could disrupt music output or delay music releases. At the same time, 77 per cent expressed concerns that if such regulations were introduced it could make global collaborations more difficult.

As the industry already operates in compliance with the IT Rules 2021 to tackle harms in the digital space, artists surveyed in the report caution against additional regulatory layers that could hinder growth.

“A staggering 82 per cent of the respondents believe that any new compliance measures, pre-release scrutiny, or alignment with prescribed standards, would limit musical diversity and creative uniqueness. In this context, the overwhelming industry sentiment points to the need for a flexible, balanced framework that nurtures artistic innovation,” the report said.

Kazim Rizvi, Founder, The Dialogue, highlighted the transformative phase of India’s music industry, stating, “India is experiencing an unprecedented musical renaissance. The challenge now is to implement frameworks that protect and empower, while ensuring compliance without compromising the dynamism that defines today’s Indian music industry”.

Respondents also expressed concerns that if such regulations are implemented it would increase compliance costs, operational complexity and could also thwart creative expression.

If pre-release scrutiny were mandated for music streamed online, 80 per cent of artists predict that compliance costs would strain their budgets. Additionally, 75 per cent of musicians fear that such pre-release content reviews would add operational complexity and thwart creative expression.