The central government has taken a tougher stance against online piracy by issuing a notice to Telegram, directing the messaging platform to strengthen its anti-piracy system and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 15 days.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) acted after receiving complaints from OTT platforms and copyright holders that pirated films, web series and other copyrighted content continue to be widely shared through Telegram channels and groups, resulting in significant losses for India’s film industry and creator economy.
Officials said the move marks a shift from simply removing individual piracy links to holding digital platforms accountable for preventing copyright violations. Telegram has also been warned that continued non-compliance could invite further action under the existing legal framework.
Government Shifts Focus to Platform Accountability
According to officials, the MIB’s notice makes it clear that Telegram cannot rely solely on responding to government requests to remove piracy channels one by one. Instead, the platform has been asked to proactively identify, prevent and curb the circulation of unauthorised content through stronger moderation systems.
The ministry has also sought details of Telegram’s grievance redressal mechanism for film producers, OTT platforms and law enforcement agencies. Officials reminded the platform that copyright infringement is not merely a civil dispute but can also amount to a criminal offence under the Copyright Act, 1957, the Cinematograph Act, 1952, as well as due diligence obligations under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the IT Rules, 2021.
“A purely reactive, channel-by-channel takedown approach may not be enough to demonstrate due diligence,” officials said, adding that the government expects digital intermediaries to take greater responsibility for preventing piracy.
Piracy Remains a Growing Challenge
The notice comes amid mounting concerns from broadcasters, filmmakers, streaming services and independent creators over the large-scale circulation of copyrighted content on messaging platforms. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly argued that leaked films and web series reduce box office collections, affect OTT revenues and undermine investments in original content.
Government sources said the latest directive is part of a broader effort to strengthen India’s digital copyright enforcement and safeguard the country’s creator economy. Officials also cautioned that if pirated content continues to remain accessible on Telegram or if the platform submits an incomplete response, the government may consider further scrutiny and action under applicable laws.
At the time of reporting, Telegram had not publicly responded to the government’s notice.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Creators deserve strong protection for their intellectual property, and digital platforms have a responsibility to prevent the misuse of their services for copyright infringement.
At the same time, efforts to combat piracy should be transparent, proportionate and implemented with adequate safeguards for user privacy, lawful communication and freedom of expression. Sustainable solutions will require collaboration between governments, technology companies, content creators and users to build a digital ecosystem that rewards creativity while respecting individual rights.
Do you think messaging platforms should be held directly accountable for pirated content shared by users, or should responsibility primarily rest with those who upload it?
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The Centre has issued a notice to Telegram over the circulation of pirated films and OTT content, directing the platform to strengthen action against copyright violations and submit a compliance report within 15 days.@GoI_MeitY @telegram #Telegram #OTT #Copyright pic.twitter.com/mTzE1qsP1x
— Akashvani News Jammu (@radionews_jammu) July 4, 2026
