Government orders Telegram to remove pirated films and web series after complaints from OTT platforms, identifying more than 3,100 channels distributing copyrighted content illegally, By India Daily News Network
India’s government has issued a notice to messaging platform Telegram directing it to remove pirated content from its platform after complaints from several OTT platforms alleging large-scale copyright violations.
According to government sources, the notice was sent by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, asking the platform to take immediate steps to curb the distribution of illegally shared films and web series.
The action follows complaints from major streaming platforms including JioCinema and Amazon Prime Video, which alleged that copyrighted content from their platforms was being widely circulated through Telegram channels without authorisation.
Over 3,100 piracy channels identified
Officials examining the complaints said that authorities identified 3,142 Telegram channels allegedly involved in distributing pirated content, including newly released films, OTT series and other copyrighted material.
Government sources indicated that Telegram’s features — including large file-sharing limits, private groups and relative anonymity for users — have made the platform attractive to piracy networks that distribute high-quality digital copies of films and shows.
These channels often share download links, streaming files and compressed video copies that allow users to access premium content without subscribing to official platforms. The scale of the activity has increasingly alarmed OTT companies that rely on subscription revenues and licensing agreements.
The government’s notice therefore directs Telegram to take down the identified channels and remove the infringing content in compliance with Indian law.
Strengthened digital rules
The crackdown comes against the backdrop of strengthened regulations governing online intermediaries.
In October 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology notified amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, introducing additional safeguards aimed at improving accountability among digital platforms.
The amended rules, which took effect on November 15, 2025, reinforce due diligence obligations on intermediaries and clarify the process by which unlawful online content must be removed.
Under Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, intermediaries are required to remove illegal or unlawful content after receiving “actual knowledge” in the form of a court order or notification from the appropriate government authority.
The new amendments were designed to ensure that such takedown processes are carried out in a transparent and proportionate manner, while also strengthening accountability at the senior management level within technology companies.
Officials involved in reviewing the framework said the changes were introduced to address growing concerns around misinformation, copyright violations and other forms of unlawful content circulating on digital platforms.
Wider push against digital piracy
The notice to Telegram forms part of a broader campaign by the government to tackle piracy and regulate objectionable online content.
Authorities have in recent months stepped up scrutiny of streaming platforms and digital distribution networks that host or enable access to unauthorised material.
Just days before the Telegram notice, the government banned five OTT platforms accused of streaming content considered obscene or inappropriate under Indian digital media rules.
Earlier in July 2025, the Centre also ordered the blocking of 25 OTT platforms, including ALTT and ULLU, citing allegations that they hosted material considered vulgar or pornographic.
These actions were taken under the framework of the IT Rules, which prohibit platforms from hosting content that is obscene, pornographic, invasive of privacy or that promotes hate, harassment or violence.
Balancing regulation and digital growth
India’s digital ecosystem has expanded rapidly in recent years, with millions of users consuming films, television series and other entertainment content online through OTT services.
However, the growth of online streaming has also been accompanied by rising concerns over digital piracy, which industry bodies say causes billions of rupees in revenue losses each year.
Messaging platforms such as Telegram have emerged as a particular challenge because they operate as intermediaries rather than content publishers, meaning the material is shared by users rather than uploaded by the company itself.
Government officials say the latest notice underscores that intermediaries must still comply with Indian law and take action when illegal activity on their platforms is brought to their attention.
The government has emphasised that its objective is to ensure accountability while allowing the digital economy to grow in a responsible and secure environment.
