New Delhi, 04 July (H.S.): The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a notice to instant messaging platform Telegram, directing it to take proactive platform-level measures to curb digital piracy. The directive includes strengthening content detection mechanisms, removing pirated films and OTT content, and taking action against repeat offenders, including channels and groups involved in copyright infringement.

According to official information, Telegram has been asked to submit a detailed action taken report on its grievance redressal and anti-piracy mechanisms within 15 days.

The Ministry emphasised that copyright infringement is a punishable offence in India under the Copyright Act, 1957, and the Cinematograph Act, 1952. It stated that the objective of the directive is to safeguard India's domestic film industry and OTT ecosystem from piracy.

The government noted that it had earlier taken action against more than 3,000 Telegram channels that were allegedly distributing pirated content. Telegram was also reminded that, as an intermediary, it is legally required to exercise due diligence under the provisions of the Information Technology Act and the applicable rules.

The Ministry made it clear that Telegram cannot merely wait for the government to identify each piracy-related channel individually before taking action. It warned that the continued availability of pirated content, evasive compliance, or incomplete responses could invite further scrutiny and legal action under the applicable statutory framework.

The government said the action has been initiated to protect the interests of India's creators, broadcasters, OTT platforms, producers and distributors, and to strengthen enforcement against online copyright violations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar