Indian musicians worry over proposed govt regulations for digital content

A recent survey by the public policy think tank, The Dialogue, has highlighted significant concerns among Indian musicians regarding proposed government regulations for digital content.

The study, titled 'Tuning into Change: Empirical Insights into India's Evolving Music Industry', surveyed 1,200 artistes across 21 languages and genres.

The report stresses upon the need for a balanced regulatory framework that supports both innovation and responsible governance. It suggests lowering entry barriers, improving access to streaming platforms, and investing in infrastructure to sustain the industry's growth.

According to a report in the Economic Times, Kazim Rizvi, founder of The Dialogue, stated: "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."

India's music industry is evolving rapidly, largely due to the rise of digital platforms, changing consumption patterns, and the growing influence of independent artistes. Some key trends shaping this transformation include:

Digital dominance and streaming boom

India sees about 46 crore (460 million) daily streams, making it one of the largest streaming markets globally.

Streaming revenue accounts for nearly 87 per cent of the industry’s total earnings.

Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, JioSaavn, Wynk Music and YouTube are driving accessibility and monetization.

Independent artistes gaining ground

The independent music scene is thriving, with artistes bypassing traditional labels and leveraging streaming platforms, social media, and digital distribution services (e.g., TuneCore, CD Baby, DistroKid).

Collaborations with global artistes and innovative marketing strategies (e.g., viral social media trends) have helped indie musicians find success.

Projected industry growth

The Indian music industry is expected to reach Rs 3,700 crore (Rs 37 billion) by 2026, fuelled by increased internet penetration, affordable data, and a rising preference for digital content.

Regional music is expanding its footprint, with Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Bhojpuri songs gaining massive audiences.

Regulatory challenges and industry concerns

Proposed government regulations on digital content have sparked debates, with concerns over potential limitations on creative freedom.

Copyright laws and revenue-sharing models are also under scrutiny as artistes demand fair compensation from streaming services.

The ministry of information and broadcasting has acknowledged the evolving digital landscape and the need to regulate content that may be violent or obscene.

In light of incidents like the recent controversy involving YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, the government is considering a new legal framework to address these challenges, the Indian Express reported.

The Dialogue's key findings

Impact on creativity: Approximately 82 per cent of musicians believe that new regulatory compliance measures could limit musical diversity and stifle creative uniqueness.

Global collaborations: 77 per cent of respondents expressed concerns that stricter regulations might hinder international partnerships, making global collaborations more challenging.

Operational and financial strain: 75 per cent of artistes fear that additional compliance requirements could introduce operational complexities, while 80 per cent anticipate financial burdens due to potential compliance costs.

As of February 2025, discussions between the government and industry stakeholders are on. However, clarity on specific provisions, especially concerning individual content creators, remains elusive. Creators continue to advocate for a balanced approach that safeguards creative freedoms while addressing legitimate regulatory concerns.

The outcome of these deliberations will significantly impact India's digital content landscape, influencing how creativity and regulation coexist in the evolving media environment.