- MIB directed Telegram to stop circulating pirated content.
- Platform must strengthen mechanisms and submit an action report.
- Government emphasizes platform accountability for copyright infringement.
- Non-compliance may lead to further legal examination and action.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a notice to messaging platform Telegram, directing it to take immediate steps to curb the circulation of pirated films, OTT content and other copyrighted audio-visual material on its platform.
The ministry has asked Telegram to remove channels found to be distributing infringing content and strengthen its mechanisms to detect, report, disable access to and remove pirated material. The platform has also been instructed to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 15 days detailing the measures it has implemented.
The move is part of the government’s broader effort to protect India’s creator economy, including the interests of the film industry, broadcasters, OTT platforms, producers and distributors.
Telegram Asked to Tighten Anti-Piracy Measures
In its communication, the ministry directed Telegram to strengthen its systems for identifying and removing copyrighted content that is being illegally shared through the platform.
It also instructed the messaging service to take action against repeat offenders, including channels, groups, bots, user accounts, administrators and other associated entities involved in the dissemination of pirated material.
Additionally, the ministry has sought details of Telegram’s grievance redressal mechanism for producers, OTT platforms and law enforcement agencies to assess how copyright-related complaints are handled.
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Government Stresses Platform Accountability
The ministry said Telegram must submit an Action Taken Report within 15 days outlining the steps taken to prevent, detect and remove pirated content.
According to the notice, the government’s approach is shifting from isolated takedown requests to holding digital platforms accountable for proactively preventing copyright infringement.
The ministry noted that the government had previously acted against more than 3,000 Telegram channels that were allegedly distributing pirated content.
Reminder on Legal Obligations Under IT Rules
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reminded Telegram that, as an intermediary, it is required to exercise due diligence under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
It said the platform cannot rely solely on the government to identify piracy-related channels one at a time, adding that a purely reactive, channel-by-channel takedown strategy may not satisfy the due diligence requirements prescribed under Indian law.
The ministry further emphasised that copyright infringement is not merely a civil violation but also a criminal offence under the Copyright Act, 1957, and the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
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Warning of Further Action
The notice cautioned that the continued availability of pirated content, evasive compliance or an inadequate response could invite further examination and action under the applicable legal framework.
The government said the action has been initiated to safeguard India’s creative ecosystem by protecting the rights and commercial interests of filmmakers, broadcasters, OTT platforms, producers and distributors.
The latest directive underscores the Centre’s increasing focus on strengthening digital platform accountability in tackling online piracy.
