Government directs Telegram to disable channels hosting pirated media

NEW DELHI: The Centre has directed messaging platform Telegram to disable access to several channels accused of distributing pirated films and web series, asking the intermediary to comply within three hours of the notice being received.

In a notification issued on Wednesday, the ministry of information & broadcasting invoked provisions of Information Technology Act, 2000, and Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to order the removal of the channels and their content.

The order stated that certain Telegram channels were hosting and distributing copyrighted material owned or licensed by OTT platforms, producers and other content owners without authorisation, in violation of Copyright Act, 1957.

The notification directed Telegram to remove and disable access to the channels "within three hours of the issue of this communication without vitiating the evidence in any manner".

According to the annexure attached to the notification, some channels contained more than 2,000 links associated with unauthorised distribution of films, web series and other digital entertainment content.

The action is based on Section 79(3)(b) of IT Act, which removes liability protection for intermediaries if they fail to act after receiving govt notice regarding unlawful content hosted on their platforms. Rule 3(1)(d) of IT Rules, 2021, requires intermediaries to remove or disable access to prohibited information upon notification by govt or a competent court.

Officials said the move forms part of a broader effort to curb online piracy and protect intellectual property rights of digital content producers and streaming platforms. In recent years, govt has increased the monitoring of online platforms.