Meta Platforms has agreed to reverse two copyright strikes issued against TV Today Network Limited's social media posts after the broadcaster challenged what it described as false copyright claims made by anonymous accounts. According to reports from Business Standard, advocate Varun Pathak, appearing for Meta, informed the Delhi High Court, 'I will cut the controversy short. We will reverse strike and give BSI (Basic Subscriber Information).' The High Court recorded this undertaking and directed that the two copyright strikes be reversed within a maximum period of one month.
The court also directed Meta to provide the plaintiff with Basic Subscriber Information (BSI) and IP logs relating to the anonymous accounts within two weeks. As reported by Business Standard, the court observed that upon receiving the information, it would be open to TV Today to take appropriate steps. The court accepted Meta's statement on record while issuing notice on the applications and summons to the parties.
TV Today has filed a suit seeking ₹2 crore in damages, alleging that anonymous users issued false copyright strikes against its content, causing harm to its business and reputation while attempting extortion through abuse of Meta's copyright enforcement mechanism. According to the petition reported by Business Standard, the first copyright strike related to a post featuring actor Vicky Kaushal, which the broadcaster said it was authorised to publish under a valid licence. The second strike targeted a post featuring actors Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya and was allegedly issued by an anonymous bot account.
The broadcaster argued that despite filing an appeal with Meta seeking reversal of the strikes, no action was taken, compelling it to approach the High Court. As reported by Business Standard, the matter has been listed for further hearing on August 18. The court's decision represents a significant development in how social media platforms handle copyright disputes involving anonymous accounts and their potential abuse of copyright enforcement mechanisms.
