Ministry Issues Notice to Telegram Over Pirated Content

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a notice to Telegram on 4 July 2026 over the circulation of pirated films and Over-The-Top content on the messaging platform. The notice asked Telegram to submit an Action Taken Report within 15 days and to strengthen systems for detecting, reporting, disabling access to, and removing infringing audio-visual content.

Online Piracy and Copyright Law

Copyright infringement is a criminal offence under the Copyright Act, 1957, and the Cinematograph Act, 1952. Pirated films, web series, and other audio-visual works are commonly shared through channels, groups, bots, and accounts on digital platforms.

Due Diligence Under Indian IT Law

The Ministry referred to due diligence requirements under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology Rules, 2021. A platform-level response includes detection, reporting, disabling access to illegal content, and action against repeat infringers.

Repeat Infringers and Platform Liability

The notice covered repeat infringers, including channels, groups, bots, accounts, administrators, and associated entities involved in illegal distribution. A purely reactive, channel-by-channel takedown approach does not satisfy the Ministry’s stated expectation of proactive compliance.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Copyright Act, 1957, governs copyright protection in India.
• The Cinematograph Act, 1952, deals with film-related legal provisions in India.
• The Information Technology Act, 2000, is the principal law for electronic governance and cyber-related matters in India.
• The Information Technology Rules, 2021, contain intermediary due diligence provisions for online platforms.

Previous Enforcement Action

On 11 March 2026, the Ministry directed the removal of more than 3,100 piracy-linked channels within three hours. Telegram’s response to the latest notice may be examined under the applicable legal framework if compliance is found inadequate.