Government directs Telegram to curb pirated content, submit report in 15 days

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed Telegram to strengthen anti-piracy measures, act against repeat offenders, and submit a compliance report within 15 days, signalling a tougher regulatory approach towards digital intermediaries hosting copyrighted content.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has issued a notice to Telegram, directing the messaging platform to take immediate steps to curb the circulation of allegedly pirated films, OTT content and other copyrighted audio-visual material. The company has been asked to submit an action-taken report within 15 days outlining the measures it has implemented to address the issue.

According to government officials, the notice requires Telegram to improve its systems for identifying, reporting, disabling access to and removing infringing content from its platform. The ministry has also sought details of the platform's existing safeguards designed to prevent the spread of copyrighted material.

Government calls for stronger anti-piracy mechanisms

In its communication, the ministry has instructed Telegram to take action against repeat offenders operating through channels, groups, bots, user accounts, administrators and other associated entities involved in distributing pirated content. It has also sought information about the platform's grievance redressal mechanism for film producers, OTT platforms and law enforcement agencies handling copyright-related complaints.

Telegram has been asked to explain the processes it has adopted to proactively detect and remove infringing material. Officials indicated that the latest notice reflects a broader shift in the government's regulatory approach, placing greater responsibility on digital intermediaries to prevent copyright violations instead of relying solely on requests for individual takedowns.

Government sources noted that authorities had previously blocked more than 3,000 Telegram channels for allegedly hosting or distributing pirated content.

Ministry warns against reactive compliance

The ministry reminded Telegram of its obligations as an intermediary under India's Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. It stated that platforms are expected to exercise due diligence and should not depend exclusively on government agencies to identify every channel or account involved in copyright infringement.

The notice further emphasised that a reactive approach focused only on removing reported channels may not satisfy the due diligence requirements prescribed under Indian law.

The ministry also reiterated that copyright infringement constitutes not only a civil violation but can also attract criminal liability under the Copyright Act, 1957, and the Cinematograph Act, 1952. Officials said continued availability of pirated content, inadequate compliance or an incomplete response could invite further examination and action under the applicable legal framework.

According to officials, the government's action is aimed at safeguarding India's creator economy, including filmmakers, broadcasters, OTT platforms, producers and distributors, while strengthening enforcement against online piracy.