Telegram will have to remove pirated content from its platform, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a notice to Telegram under the Information Technology Act, 2000, directing it to remove pirated content from its platform.

OTT platform had complained

This action has been taken by the ministry after complaints were made by Jio Cinema, Amazon Prime Video and other OTT platforms. In which Telegram has been accused of large-scale piracy of copyrighted material. Based on complaints and investigation of the case, 3142 Telegram channels have been found distributing pirated content, including movies and OTT content.

Actually, movie-web series lovers either go to the theater or watch them by taking a subscription on OTT platforms like Jio, Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, but a large section watches movies on Telegram, for this you do not have to spend any money nor take a subscription, but if you do this then be careful, if you do this you can even go to jail.

In India, after making a movie-web series, only the producers associated with it have the right to show it. Any other channel or streaming platform shows it only if it has the license to show it. Whereas if this is done on Telegram or any other streaming platform then it is completely illegal. Doing so is a punishable offence. Under the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023, there can be a punishment of 3 years. Besides, a fine of Rs 2 lakh can also be imposed.

Not only uploading pirated content on Telegram comes under the ambit of crime but viewing it is also a crime. Watching a pirated movie on Telegram means that one is supporting that crime. Even for doing this you may be punished.

Pakistani content banned in india: In view of the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory on 8 May asking social media intermediates with OTT and streaming platforms to shut down every kind of content of Pakistan.

What was done
This content includes Pakistani web series, movies, songs and other streaming materials other than podcast. Whether it is being shown in a subscription model or some other way.

What has been said in this advisory
This advisory states, “Keeping in mind the national security interests, all OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediates operated in India are advised to recommend all the web series, movies, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content made in Pakistan with immediate effect, whether it is being seen in any other way.”

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also said that many terrorist attacks are related to the government and non -government elements present in Pakistan. The advisory also states that many Indians and Nepali citizens were killed and many were injured in the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April 2025.

Explain that MIB has implemented Part III of Information Technology Rules 2021, in which the list of Code of Ethics was given which the publishers will have to follow.

The reason behind this decision has been mentioned in advisory

The advisory also states that in addition, in Part-II of IT Rule 2021, it provides that intermediates should make appropriate efforts by themselves that users of their computer resources should not allow any such information to host, show, upload, upload, modify, publish, transmit, store, update or share. Those who pose a threat to India’s unity, integrity, defense, security and sovereignty and friendly relations or public system with foreign states.

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