IPRS Joins Global Creators In Backing Paris Commitment To Protect Human Creativity In The AI Era

Javed Akhtar, Rakesh Nigam and other global creative leaders call for transparency, fair remuneration and stronger copyright protections as AI reshapes the creative economy

As artificial intelligence continues to transform the global creative landscape, the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) has joined creators, authors' societies and cultural leaders from around the world in endorsing the Paris Commitment, a landmark international declaration aimed at protecting human creativity, creator rights and cultural diversity in the age of AI.

The declaration was adopted during the centenary General Assembly of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) in Paris, which brought together more than 450 creators, policymakers, collective management organisations and industry leaders to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the creative sector today: ensuring that technological innovation does not come at the expense of creators.

Representing India at the historic gathering were Javed Akhtar, Chairperson of IPRS; Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS; Ameet Datta, Legal Head, IPRS; and Mayur Puri, lyricist, screenwriter, director and Board Member of IPRS. Their participation underscored India's growing influence in global discussions around copyright, artificial intelligence and the future of creator rights.

The Paris Commitment has been endorsed by some of the world's most influential creators and rights advocates, including Javed Akhtar; Björn Ulvaeus, co-founder of ABBA and President of CISAC; Jean-Michel Jarre; Yvonne Chaka Chaka; Paul Williams; Simon Franglen; Teresa Parodi; Ángeles González-Sinde; Anja Unger; Kevin Brennan; Jacopo Ettorre; Adelaide Damoah; Vicco; Arriën Molema; and Gadi Oron, among others.

The declaration comes at a time of growing international concern over the use of copyrighted works in training generative AI systems. Creators and rights holders worldwide have increasingly raised questions around transparency, consent, attribution and remuneration as AI technologies become more sophisticated and commercially significant.

The Paris Commitment outlines four core principles designed to guide the future relationship between AI and the creative industries:

• Protecting human creativity and cultural diversity
• Ensuring transparency, licensing and fair remuneration in AI systems
• Strengthening collective management as a pillar of sustainable creative ecosystems
• Encouraging governments and policymakers to safeguard creators' rights and cultural expression

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Javed Akhtar, Chairperson of IPRS, said, "Creativity is one of the deepest expressions of our humanity. The Paris Commitment sends a united message from creators around the world: human creativity must continue to be valued, respected and protected. Technology can be a powerful enabler of progress, but it must not diminish the role of human imagination, lived experience, emotion and cultural identity. As AI evolves, we must ensure that creators remain visible, valued and fairly rewarded for their contributions."

Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS, emphasized that the conversation around artificial intelligence extends far beyond technology itself.

"The conversation around AI is no longer only about technology; it is increasingly about rights, ownership, accountability and the future of creative livelihoods. As one of the world's fastest-growing creative markets, India has an important role to play in shaping how innovation and creator rights evolve together. Transparency, consent and fair remuneration must be central to any framework governing the use of creative works in AI systems. Human creativity remains the foundation upon which every creative industry is built," he said.

The significance of the Paris Commitment is reinforced by findings from CISAC's latest Annual Report, which highlights both the growing economic value of creativity and the urgency of protecting creator rights in an AI-driven world. According to the report, global collections for creators reached a record €13.97 billion, reflecting the expanding contribution of copyright-based industries to the global economy.

Digital revenues have also increased by nearly 70 per cent over the last decade, driven by streaming, digital licensing and technology-enabled distribution. The report further identifies India as one of the key markets shaping international discussions around artificial intelligence, copyright reform, collective management and creator remuneration, alongside major territories including the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea and Australia.

As governments and policymakers increasingly recognize the creator economy as a driver of innovation, employment and cultural influence, the questions raised by the Paris Commitment have become more urgent than ever. How can creators maintain control over their work in an AI-driven environment? How can innovation be encouraged without undermining the value of human creativity? And how can creators be fairly compensated when their works contribute to training and improving AI systems?

As a member of CISAC's global network representing more than five million creators across 111 countries and territories, IPRS said it remains committed to supporting international efforts that ensure technological progress strengthens rather than weakens the value of human creativity.

The Paris Commitment remains open for creators, organizations and supporters worldwide to endorse, reinforcing a shared vision for a future where innovation and creativity coexist responsibly, sustainably and in a manner that continues to reward human ingenuity.