The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has issued a notice to Telegram, asking the messaging platform to take immediate measures to prevent the distribution of pirated films, OTT content, television programmes, and other copyrighted audio visual material through its channels, groups, bots, and user accounts.
As part of the notice, Telegram has been directed to submit an action taken report within 15 days detailing the steps it has implemented to detect, remove, and prevent the circulation of infringing content on its platform.
Government Seeks Stronger Copyright Enforcement
According to government officials, the ministry has instructed Telegram to strengthen its mechanisms for identifying, reporting, disabling access to, and removing copyrighted content that is shared without authorization. The platform has also been asked to explain the safeguards currently in place to prevent the misuse of its services for copyright infringement.
The notice further requires Telegram to take stricter action against repeat offenders, including channels, administrators, bots, groups, and user accounts that repeatedly engage in distributing pirated content. Authorities have also sought details about the company's grievance redressal system available to film producers, OTT platforms, broadcasters, copyright holders, and law enforcement agencies for reporting violations.
Officials said the government expects digital intermediaries to implement more proactive monitoring systems rather than relying solely on complaints from copyright owners.
Focus on Proactive Monitoring
The ministry has asked Telegram to clarify the processes it follows to proactively detect infringing material before it spreads widely across the platform. The government believes that stronger preventive measures are necessary as piracy networks increasingly exploit encrypted and community based platforms to distribute newly released films and premium streaming content.
Government sources indicated that authorities have previously blocked more than 3,000 Telegram channels allegedly involved in hosting or facilitating access to pirated content, reflecting the scale of the challenge.
Reminder of Legal Responsibilities
In its communication, the ministry reminded Telegram of its obligations under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The government emphasized that intermediaries are required to exercise due diligence and maintain effective systems for addressing unlawful content on their platforms.
Officials noted that a purely reactive approach focused only on removing reported channels may not satisfy the due diligence requirements prescribed under Indian law. Instead, platforms are expected to strengthen preventive measures and improve their ability to identify recurring copyright violations.
The notice also reiterated that copyright infringement may attract both civil and criminal liability under the Copyright Act, 1957, and the Cinematograph Act, 1952. Authorities indicated that inadequate compliance or failure to implement effective safeguards could invite further examination under the applicable legal framework.
Broader Regulatory Push
The latest action forms part of the government's broader efforts to strengthen accountability among digital intermediaries and protect India's growing creator economy. The move aims to safeguard the interests of filmmakers, broadcasters, OTT platforms, producers, distributors, and other copyright holders while reinforcing enforcement against online piracy.
The notice also reflects the Centre's increasing focus on ensuring that technology platforms adopt stronger compliance mechanisms as digital content consumption continues to grow rapidly across the country.
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