Abstract Reels, Rights, and Remedies Copyright Infringement in Short form content and its interface with the IT Act, 2000 Sarita Gupta

REELS, RIGHTS, AND REMEDIES: COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT IN SHORT-FORM CONTENT AND ITS INTERFACE WITH THE IT ACT, 2000

• Sarita Gupta, Assistant Professor, Bharti Vishwavidyalaya, Durg, Chhattisgarh.

ABSTRACT

The digital content industry has been completely changed by the explosive growth of short-form video content on sites like YouTube and Instagram, which has encouraged formerly unattainable levels of user interaction, creativity, and cooperation. Users can now easily remix, reuse, and redistribute music, video clips, and other creative works because of the widespread use of "reels" and related formats. However, because of the unapproved use of copyrighted content in user-generated videos, this technical development has also raised concerns about copyright infringement.

This paper highlights the limitations of the Copyright Act, 1957, in addressing the complexity of algorithm-driven, dynamically evolving digital content by critically examining the rising patterns of copyright infringement in reel-based content. It delves deeper into how copyright law and the Information Technology Act of 2000 interact, focusing on intermediary responsibility and the scope of platform accountability. Along with revealing procedural inefficiencies and the dangers of intermediaries over complying, the study assesses the effectiveness and constraints of the current notice-and-takedown procedure.

The paper also examines widespread exploitation of the fair dealing doctrine in the context of viral digital culture, where claims of transformative use are frequently overreached. It contends that the existing legal system finds it difficult to strike a balance between defending copyright holders' rights and encouraging creativity and free speech.

In its final state, the research study promotes a modified and flexible legal framework that takes into consideration platform administration, algorithmic content distribution, and technical improvements. It highlights the need for a balanced strategy that maintains the participatory character of the digital ecosystem while guaranteeing fair protection of creators' rights.

Keywords:

Copyright Infringement, Short-form Video Content, Intermediary Liability, Fair Dealing Doctrine, Digital Platforms