ANI Sues Netflix Over Unauthorized Use of Content in Hijack Drama

Indian news agency ANI has taken legal action against Netflix, accusing the streaming platform of using its archival footage without permission in the series "IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack.

P24 News Media

September 09, 2024

1 minute

ANI Sues Netflix Over Unauthorized Use of Content in Hijack Drama

Entertainment

Indian News Agency Files Lawsuit Against Streaming Giant

Indian news agency ANI has taken legal action against Netflix, accusing the streaming platform of using its archival footage without permission in the series "IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack." The lawsuit, filed in the Delhi High Court, demands the removal of four episodes where ANI's content and trademark were allegedly used without a license.

Controversy Surrounding the Series

The six-episode series, which is a fictionalized account of the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814, has already been embroiled in controversy. Members of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and social media users criticized the series for inaccurately portraying the hijackers as Hindus, despite their actual identities being Muslim.

Netflix Under Fire in India

In response to the criticism, Netflix added disclaimers to the show but maintained that the code names used reflected those from the real-life event. The case has intensified the scrutiny Netflix faces in India, where political and social sensitivities often lead to content controversies.

ANI’s Legal Argument

ANI’s lawyer, Sidhant Kumar, argued that the use of the agency’s footage without permission has tarnished ANI’s trademark and brand. ANI is requesting the court to order Netflix to take down the episodes in question. The Delhi High Court has agreed to hear the case and has sought Netflix's response.

Ongoing Legal Battle

As the case unfolds, Netflix has yet to publicly comment on the matter. The lawsuit comes amid growing concerns over intellectual property rights in the digital content space, especially with global streaming giants like Netflix expanding their presence in India.