New Delhi: The Indian Information and Broadcasting Ministry has directed the instant messaging platform Telegram to implement immediate measures against the unauthorized distribution of pirated films and Over-The-Top content. According to ministry sources, the platform has been mandated to submit a formal Action Taken Report detailing its compliance within a strict 15-day timeline. The central directive is part of a broader regulatory crackdown aimed at safeguarding India’s expanding creator economy, alongside protecting the commercial interests of broadcasters, film producers, distributors, and streaming platforms.
The latest enforcement action follows a prior legal notice issued by the ministry, which specifically identified and ordered the removal of more than 3,100 Telegram channels actively engaged in the illicit dissemination of copyrighted material. Digital copyright infringement has drawn increasing scrutiny from Indian regulators after consecutive complaints from prominent domestic and international streaming networks. Beyond intellectual property concerns, the platform has faced rigorous administrative compliance checks within the country. Ahead of the recent National Eligibility cum Entrance Test undergraduate re-examination, the central government had temporarily suspended Telegram operations across the country until June 22.
The temporary service suspension was enacted after the initial medical entrance examination, conducted on May 3, was formally nullified on May 12 due to widespread reports of a question paper leak operating through encrypted messaging groups. The paper leak investigation was subsequently transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation for comprehensive criminal prosecution. Government officials have reiterated that digital communication intermediaries must strictly adhere to local compliance laws and maintain robust internal monitoring mechanisms to curb both content piracy and the propagation of illegal activities.
