More trouble for Telegram, govt seeks action against pirated films, OTT content

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has asked Telegram to act swiftly against channels and groups involved in the unauthorised distribution of copyrighted content, including films and web series available on over-the-top (OTT) platforms.

In Short

• The Centre asked Telegram to submit a report within 15 days
• Earlier, the government also sent a notice regarding Telegram's username feature
• It also put a ban on Telegram in June, ahead of the NEET re-test

The government has issued a notice to messaging platform Telegram seeking immediate action over the alleged widespread circulation of pirated films and OTT content on its platform, news agency ANI reported on Saturday, citing sources.

According to the notice, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) asked Telegram to act swiftly against channels and groups involved in the unauthorised distribution of copyrighted content, including films and web series available on over-the-top (OTT) platforms. The notice comes amid growing concerns over online piracy and its impact on India's entertainment ecosystem.

According to the directive, Telegram has been instructed to implement effective measures to curb the sharing of pirated content and strengthen its mechanisms to prevent the misuse of the platform for copyright infringement. The company has also been asked to furnish a detailed report outlining the steps taken to comply with the ministry's directions within the stipulated 15-day period.

The government's move is aimed at safeguarding India's creator economy and protecting the interests of stakeholders across the media and entertainment industry, including filmmakers, broadcasters, OTT platforms, producers, distributors and other rights holders.

Online piracy has long been a major challenge for the film and digital streaming industry, with pirated copies of newly released films and web series often surfacing on messaging platforms and other online channels shortly after their release. Industry bodies have repeatedly urged authorities to strengthen enforcement against digital piracy, citing substantial financial losses and its adverse impact on content creators.

Following the notice, the message-sharing platform is now expected to submit its ATR within the 15-day deadline specified by the Ministry.

CENTRE ASKED TELEGRAM TO EXPLAIN USERNAME FEATURE

Nearly two days back, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeiTY) sent a notice to Telegram and Signal, asking them to explain their username feature and its safeguards against impersonation and wrongful use amid rising concerns regarding online security.

The development came days after the Centre issued a similar notice to Meta over the roll-out of its new username feature. It said that the new feature might lead to a surge in fraudulent activities and incidents like online phishing.

"It is felt that the feature may materially increase the incidence of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks, by enabling bad actors to solicit and message victims," the notice to Meta read.

Following the notice, a team from Meta met MeitY officials.

CENTRE IMPOSED BAN ON TELEGRAM IN JUNE

Last month, the central government had imposed a temporary ban on Telegram ahead of the NEET re-examination that was scheduled on June 21. The ban lasted from June 16 to June 22.

The message-sharing platform challenged the ban as it moved to the Delhi High Court, seeking withdrawal of the decision. However, they suffered a major blow as the Delhi High Court upheld the decision, dismissing the company's claims.

- Ends