AI Summit 2026: ‘Training on copyrighted data amounts to stealing’, says Pleias founder Stasenko

Ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Pleias founder Alex Stasenko raised significant concerns regarding the use of copyrighted data in training AI models. He emphasized that relying on such data without proper licensing equates to theft, arguing for a shift towards 'sovereign' AI systems that are locally developed and operated. Stasenko criticized the predominance of cloud-based models from US tech giants, advocating for a more autonomous approach that respects local laws and cultural contexts. His comments reflect a growing sentiment in the tech community about the ethical implications of AI development and the need for policies that protect intellectual property while fostering innovation. This summit serves as a crucial platform for discussions on the future of AI in India and the balance between technological advancement and legal frameworks.