The government has instructed Telegram to eliminate pirated content following complaints from various OTT platforms regarding the unauthorized sharing of copyrighted movies and web series. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) issued a notice to Telegram under the Information Technology Act, 2000, mandating action against piracy and the removal of illegal material. OTT platforms like JioCinema and Amazon Prime Video raised concerns about their copyrighted content being extensively circulated on Telegram without authorization.
Authorities have identified 3,142 Telegram channels allegedly involved in the distribution of pirated content, including movies, web series, and other copyrighted material. Reports suggest that certain users have exploited Telegram’s features, such as large file-sharing limits and anonymity, to disseminate pirated content on a significant scale. This action follows the recent ban on five OTT platforms for streaming content deemed objectionable, including MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel, and Jugnu.
In a previous incident in July 2025, the government had ordered the blocking of websites and apps from 25 OTT platforms over allegations of streaming obscene, vulgar, or pornographic content. Among the platforms targeted were ALTT, ULLU, Big Shots App, Desiflix, and others. Online platforms are prohibited from hosting or publishing content that is obscene, pornographic, invasive of privacy, insulting, or promotes hate or violence as per Rule 3(1)(b) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
This recent government action forms part of a broader initiative to combat online piracy and regulate objectionable digital content across various platforms.
