Centre Issues Notice to Telegram Over Pirated Content, Demands Stronger Action
The Government of India has issued a notice to the messaging platform Telegram over the widespread circulation of pirated films, OTT shows, and other audio-visual content on its platform. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed Telegram to move beyond channel-wise takedowns and submit an Action Taken Report within 15 days.
Officials confirmed that the notice was sent on Saturday, but Telegram has not yet responded to the development. The ministry has asked Telegram to strengthen its systems to detect, report, disable access to, and remove infringing content. It also demands action against repeat offenders, including channels, groups, bots, accounts, administrators, and associated entities.
Additionally, the ministry has requested details of Telegram's grievance redress mechanism for producers, broadcasters, OTT platforms, and law enforcement agencies. This is part of a broader regulatory push to ensure platforms do not rely solely on reactive compliance after unlawful activity is identified.
Last month, Telegram was temporarily blocked over allegations that channels were being used to defraud candidates ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination. The home ministry’s cybercrime coordination wing, in a report cited during court proceedings, also flagged concerns over Telegram’s use for circulation of child sexual abuse material, fake job ads, cyber fraud, and pirated content.
Earlier this week, the government issued notices to Telegram and Signal seeking safeguards against username-based features that allow users to interact without revealing phone numbers. These actions reflect ongoing regulatory scrutiny of messaging platforms operating in India.
Earlier this year, the ministry had asked Telegram to disable access to 3,142 channels carrying pirated content and blocked 800 piracy websites. The latest notice underscores the government’s stance that platforms must proactively prevent misuse rather than merely responding after violations occur.
