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.