YouTuber Thagesh gets ₹15 lakh copyright strike from ANI: Heavy fine for just a 4-second clip
YouTuber Thagesh said that ANI sent a copyright demand of ₹15 lakh for a 4-second video clip. Know how this can become a threat for India’s content creators.
A copyright dispute that shook Indian YouTubers
Famous YouTuber Mahesh Keshavala (known as Thagesh on the internet) recently revealed that ANI (Asian News International) put a copyright strike on one of his videos in which he used just a 4-second ANI news clip.
In return, A
NI has demanded ₹15 lakh + GST from him. The matter has gone viral rapidly and has now become a warning bell for India’s digital content creator community.
What is the matter? Controversy over ANI copyright strike on Thagesh
According to Thagesh, he used only a 4-second ANI clip featuring Ravi Kishan in his 16-minute video. The clip was used as a meme reaction, with the aim of criticism and commentary — which often falls under YouTube’s Fair Use Policy and India’s copyright laws.
Nevertheless, ANI demanded ₹15 lakh for the clip and warned that if payment was not made, they would strike Thagesh’s other videos as well, which could lead to his entire YouTube channel being deleted.
Key points: Why this case is important for everyone
Minimal usage, maximum punishmentOnly 4 seconds of video clip, yet a hefty fineThis clip was a very small part of a 16-minute video
Fair Use under threat in IndiaThe clip was used for commentary and educational purposes
Yet it was considered a copyright infringement
Fear of YouTube channel deletion
As per YouTube policy, 3 copyright strikes can lead to permanent removal of the channel
ANI warned Thagesh that more strikes are “in process”
This is not happening only with Thagesh: Many YouTubers are affected
Thagesh told that he is not alone. Many other famous YouTubers have also become victims of ANI’s strikes:
Mohak Mangal: Demand of up to ₹40–45 lakhs came
YouTubers like Rajat Pawar, Truth, Manliness also got strikes
Many creators were forced to pay ₹15–20 lakhs
All these creators are paying out of fear so that their channel built with years of hard work does not get wiped out in one go.
A dangerous precedent for YouTube India
If such copyright strikes are given without any notice, then:
It will become risky to create videos for reaction, commentary, and infotainment channels
People will move away from news clips, memes, and viral videos
Small creators will suffer the most
Fair Use will become a myth
Thagesh’s appeal: Creators must unite now
Thagesh appealed to all YouTubers to not remain silent:
“If we don’t speak today, tomorrow it will be your turn.”
He thanked those YouTubers who made videos in his support — even though their channel was not struck, they raised their voice in the interest of the creator community.
No warning, no transparency
Thagesh questioned ANI’s strategy as to why the strikes were suddenly launched without any prior notice.
“If you think it is necessary to get a license from now on, then at least send a mail or a notice.”
He also questioned that if everyone has used ANI’s clip, then why were only a few channels targeted?
Solution to the problem: What should be done?
This controversy has made it clear that there is a need for clear and practical Fair Use Guidelines for digital platforms in India. Creators are demanding:
Rules for clip usage limits and credit
Pressure-free strike resolution system for copyright cases
Enable dialogue between content owners and creators
YouTube and the Indian government should work together to formulate a clear policy
Conclusion: A warning for creative India
This action by ANI can affect not just one YouTuber but the entire digital India. If a hefty fine has to be paid for even a 4-second clip, then freedom of expression and digital creativity will be in danger.
Now is the time for all of us – creators and viewers – to come together and demand a fair, transparent and balanced content policy.