The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Copyright Law: Are Machines the New Authors?

The paper explores the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Copyright Law, focusing on the challenges and implications of recognizing AI-generated works. It traces the historical development of copyright protection in India from the colonial-1970s-based Indian Copyright Act of 1847 to today's landmark Copyright Act of 1957, and also highlights key legislative landmarks and amendments. The paper delves into transformation through technological advancement, particularly the rise of AI as a tool to produce creative, literary, and musical works even without direct human input.The central question addressed is whether can be considered "authors" under current copyright law and the potential legal and ethical ramifications of such a designation. By examining issues of authorship, ownership, and originality, the paper argues for a nuanced approach in adapting copyright laws to accommodate AI-generated content. It underscores the need for policymakers to carefully balance the rights of creators, developers, and AI systems in an era where machine-generated works are becoming increasingly prevalent.