In a major action against instant messaging platform Telegram, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a notice to Telegram under the Information Technology Act, 2000, asking it to remove pirated content from its platform, IANS reported.
The move comes after several OTT platforms, including JioCinema and Amazon Prime Video, complained about large-scale piracy of films and web series through Telegram channels.
“The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a notice to Telegram under the Information Technology Act, 2000, to remove pirated content from its platform. The action follows complaints from OTT platforms, including JioCinema, Amazon Prime Video, and others, alleging large-scale piracy of copyrighted content on Telegram. Based on the complaints and examination of the matter, 3,142 Telegram channels were identified as distributing pirated content, including films and OTT content: Government sources,” IANS reported.
Government sources told news agency that authorities examined the complaints and identified 3,142 Telegram channels that were allegedly distributing pirated content, including movies and OTT shows.
As per officials, these channels were sharing copyrighted material without permission, raising concerns among streaming platforms and content creators. Following the review, the ministry has asked Telegram to take necessary action and remove the infringing content from the identified channels.
What Is Telegram?
Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app that allows people to send messages, photos, videos, documents and make voice or video calls over the internet. It works on smartphones, tablets and computers.
Touted as WhatsApp rival, the app was launched in 2013 by brothers Pavel Durov and Nikolai Durov and has become popular worldwide because of its speed, large group features and focus on privacy.
In related news, the government also blocked five OTT platforms for streaming obscene content in February. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting blocked MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel, and Jugnu last month . These platforms were found to have violated laws that penalised obscenity in content.
Government said that the action was taken following a due procedure adding it directed internet service providers to block access to OTT platforms under the Information Technology Rules 2021 and the laws against obscenity.
