Government Directs Telegram to Intensify Anti-Piracy Measures, Seeks Action Report Within 15 Days

In a major move to curb online film piracy, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a formal notification to Telegram, directing the messaging platform to take immediate and effective measures to prevent the circulation of pirated films and other copyrighted audio-visual content.

The notification, dated July 4, 2026, comes amid growing concerns over newly released films being illegally shared through public Telegram channels, groups, bots, and mirror channels. According to the Ministry, the unauthorized copying, hosting, streaming, and distribution of copyrighted content not only violates Indian copyright laws but also causes substantial financial losses to filmmakers, producers, distributors, broadcasters, OTT platforms, and the country’s creative economy.

The Government emphasized that such activities undermine India’s intellectual property rights framework and negatively impact the legitimate digital content ecosystem. It also reminded Telegram of its responsibility to exercise due diligence under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

The Ministry observed that despite repeated notices in the past, pirated content continues to reappear through successor channels, mirror channels, bots, and other evasion methods. As a result, it noted that the existing channel-by-channel takedown approach is no longer sufficient to effectively combat digital piracy.

As part of the directive, Telegram has been instructed to strengthen its systems for detecting, reporting, removing, and preventing the re-upload of infringing content. The platform has also been asked to establish a robust grievance redressal mechanism, take strict action against repeat offenders, preserve relevant records for law enforcement agencies, and regularly review the effectiveness of its anti-piracy measures.

The Ministry has further directed Telegram to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 15 days, outlining the steps taken to prevent piracy, address copyright complaints, curb repeat infringements, preserve evidence, and enhance compliance with Indian laws.

The notification also cautioned that continued negligence or failure to comply with the directive could invite legal action under the Copyright Act, 1957, the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the Information Technology Act, 2000, and other applicable laws.

With this latest directive, the Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting India’s film and entertainment industry from digital piracy while urging online intermediaries to play a more proactive role in safeguarding copyrighted content.