The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed Telegram to remove pirated content from its platform following complaints from OTT platforms about the large-scale sharing of copyrighted movies and web series. The ministry has issued a notice to the messaging platform under the Information Technology Act, 2000, asking it to take action against piracy and remove illegal content.
As per media reports, the move has followed complaints filed by OTT platforms such as JioCinema and Amazon Prime Video, which have alleged that their copyrighted content was being widely shared on Telegram without permission.
After examining the complaints, authorities have identified 3,142 Telegram channels that were allegedly distributing pirated content, including movies, web series and other copyrighted material.
Reports have also indicated that Telegram’s features, including large file-sharing limits and the option to maintain anonymity, have been misused by some users to circulate pirated content at scale.
The action has come days after the ministry banned five OTT platforms, MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel and Jugnu, for streaming content that was considered obscene.
Earlier in July 2025, the Centre had also ordered the blocking of websites and apps of 25 OTT platforms over allegations that they were streaming content considered obscene, vulgar or pornographic. These platforms included ALTT, ULLU, Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, Jalva App, ShowHit, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, NeonX VIP, Fugi, Mojflix and Triflicks.
Under Rule 3(1)(b) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, online platforms are not allowed to host or publish content that is obscene, pornographic, invasive of privacy, insulting or harassing on the basis of gender, racially or ethnically objectionable, or that promotes hate or violence.
The government’s latest action has been part of its broader effort to curb online piracy and regulate objectionable digital content across digital platforms.
