Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) notice to Telegram on pirated content

Key facts

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) issued a notice to Telegram over the dissemination of pirated films, OTT content, and audio-visual material, having previously acted against over 3,000 Telegram channels.
• Telegram has been directed to strengthen its systems for detection and removal of infringing content and submit an action-taken report within 15 days.
• The I&B directed Telegram to act against repeat infringers, including channels, groups, bots, accounts, administrators, and associated entities.
• The notice emphasizes the requirement for due diligence as mandated under the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021.
• The action aims to protect India's creator economy, film industry, broadcasters, OTT platforms, producers, and distributors under the Copyright Act, 1957, and the Cinematograph Act, 1952.