The Information & Broadcasting Ministry has directed messaging platform Telegram to take immediate action against pirated films and OTT content, with a strict 15-day deadline to submit an Action Taken Report, sources confirmed on Saturday.
Government's Broader Crackdown on Piracy
According to sources, this directive is part of the government's larger initiative to safeguard India's creator economy, film industry, broadcasters, OTT platforms, producers, and distributors. The Ministry had previously issued a notice to Telegram, ordering the removal of over 3,100 channels engaged in unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material.
Recent Ban and NEET-UG Context
Earlier, Telegram faced a temporary ban in India until June 22, ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination. The NEET-UG exam, originally held on May 3, was canceled on May 12 after reports of a question paper leak. The case was subsequently handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for investigation.
Impact on Creator Economy
The move underscores the government's commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and supporting the creative industries. By targeting unauthorized distribution channels, the Ministry aims to curb revenue losses for content creators and distributors.
