Centre orders Telegram to crack down on movie, OTT piracy, seek action report within 15 days
The article reports that the Government of India has issued a formal notice to Telegram, ordering the messaging platform to strengthen its response to the widespread distribution of pirated films, OTT content and other copyrighted audiovisual material. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has given Telegram 15 days to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) detailing the measures it has implemented to detect, prevent and remove infringing content.
The notice follows repeated complaints from film studios, broadcasters and OTT platforms, which argue that Telegram has become a major hub for piracy through public channels and groups that distribute unauthorized copies of newly released movies, television series and premium streaming content. Authorities believe the platform’s current enforcement efforts have been insufficient to curb repeated copyright violations.
A key aspect of the government’s approach is its shift from targeting individual infringing channels to demanding platform accountability. Instead of relying solely on channel-by-channel takedowns, the Ministry expects Telegram to strengthen its overall anti-piracy systems, improve detection of repeat offenders, and implement more effective mechanisms to prevent copyrighted material from being repeatedly uploaded and redistributed.
According to government sources, investigators have identified more than 3,100 Telegram channels allegedly involved in distributing pirated films, OTT content and other copyrighted material. Officials stressed that copyright infringement is not merely a civil matter but may also attract criminal liability under Indian law, increasing pressure on Telegram to demonstrate meaningful compliance.
The notice is part of a broader regulatory effort by India to hold major digital platforms more accountable for illegal content hosted or distributed through their services. Recent government actions have also focused on strengthening oversight of other technology companies, reflecting a wider strategy aimed at protecting India’s creative industries and reducing large-scale online piracy.
The article concludes that Telegram’s response will likely influence how India regulates digital intermediaries in the future. If the platform fails to implement satisfactory anti-piracy measures or submit an adequate Action Taken Report within the prescribed timeframe, the government has indicated that further legal action may follow.
