Telegram warned of legal action over pirated content in India

New Delhi, Jul 4: The Indian government has issued a formal notice to Telegram demanding immediate action against the widespread sharing of pirated films and streaming content on its platform.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has given the messaging app a fifteen-day deadline to submit a detailed compliance report. This move signals a major shift in policy, as authorities are now focusing on overall platform accountability rather than just blocking individual channels.The government emphasized that copyright infringement carries criminal liabilities under the Copyright Act and the Cinematograph Act.

Officials stated that a reactive approach to removing illegal content is no longer sufficient to meet the due diligence requirements mandated by the Information Technology Act and Rules. Additionally, the ministry has requested comprehensive details regarding the company’s grievance redressal systems for content creators and law enforcement.This directive is part of a broader regulatory crackdown on major digital platforms operating in the country.

Electronic and information technology authorities recently challenged Meta over a planned WhatsApp feature and scrutinized Instagram regarding offensive advertising material. Both Telegram and Signal have also faced inquiries regarding their username functionalities.

Authorities reiterated that failure to comply with these piracy regulations could lead to severe legal consequences in order to safeguard the national entertainment and creator economy.