Copyright Dispute Erupts Between "Humans of Bombay" and "People of India”

A copyright dispute has taken center stage in the world of social media storytelling, as "Humans of Bombay" initiates legal action against its rival, "People of India," alleging copyright infringement. The lawsuit has sparked a broader debate about creativity, inspiration, and intellectual property rights in the digital age.

The conflict arose when "Humans of Bombay" accused "People of India" of replicating their storytelling format, incorporating identical content and visuals without proper authorization. This dispute quickly caught the attention of the Delhi High Court, which issued a summons to "People of India" on September 18, marking the beginning of formal legal proceedings.

During the court proceedings, Justice Prathiba Singh noted striking resemblances and instances of nearly identical photographs across both platforms, suggesting potential copyright violations. The case is set for its next hearing on October 11, promising a more in-depth examination of the allegations.

Adding a surprising twist to the dispute, Brandon Stanton, the creator of "Humans of New York," waded into the debate. Stanton, whose work had previously been borrowed by "Humans of Bombay," broke his silence by sharing his concerns on social media.

Stanton acknowledged the significance of the stories shared by "Humans of Bombay" and their substantial monetization. However, he expressed discomfort with the platform's decision to pursue legal action against another storytelling entity, particularly considering that he had forgiven them for similar actions in the past. Stanton's post triggered a cascade of responses on social media, with many users questioning "Humans of Bombay's" perceived hypocrisy.

Critics accused "Humans of Bombay" of double standards, arguing that the platform had originally adopted Stanton's concept from "Humans of New York" and was now using copyright claims to stifle competition.

In response to mounting criticism, "Humans of Bombay" issued a statement defending their actions, expressing surprise at Brandon Stanton's public critique. They argued that their lawsuit aimed to protect the intellectual property within their posts, rather than storytelling itself. Subsequently, "Humans of Bombay" adopted a more conciliatory tone in a social media post, expressing gratitude to "Humans of New York" and Brandon Stanton for pioneering the storytelling movement. This shift suggests the possibility of reconciliation amid the ongoing controversy.

The copyright dispute between "Humans of Bombay" and "People of India" offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between creativity, inspiration, and intellectual property rights in the digital age. While legal proceedings will ultimately determine the case's outcome, the broader narrative underscores the enduring power of storytelling platforms to connect communities through the sharing of unique and impactful stories.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University