Govt directs Telegram to curb piracy

Metro India News | NEW DELHI 

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed messaging platform Telegram to take immediate and effective measures to curb the circulation of pirated films and other infringing audio-visual content on its platform, warning that failure to comply could invite legal action under multiple Indian laws. In an official communication, the government said newly released films and copyrighted content continue to be shared through Telegram's public channels, groups, bots, and mirror channels, causing significant financial losses to filmmakers, producers, broadcasters, OTT platforms and other copyright holders.

The government reminded Telegram that as an intermediary under the Information Technology Act, 2000, it is legally required to exercise due diligence in preventing the hosting and dissemination of unlawful content. The platform has been directed to submit a detailed Action Taken Report within 15 days, outlining the measures adopted to combat piracy.