Centre Tightens Grip On Telegram, Seeks Action Against Pirated Content; Platform Also Faces Questions Over Username Feature
The Central government has intensified its scrutiny of messaging platform Telegram by directing the company to take immediate steps against the circulation of pirated movies and OTT content on its platform. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has issued a notice asking Telegram to remove channels and groups involved in copyright violations and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 15 days.
According to government sources, the ministry has instructed Telegram to strengthen its monitoring systems and introduce stricter safeguards to prevent copyrighted films and web series from being shared illegally. The move comes as authorities seek to curb digital piracy, which continues to cause significant losses to filmmakers, OTT platforms, broadcasters, producers and other rights holders.
Officials believe the widespread availability of pirated content on messaging platforms undermines India's growing digital entertainment industry and weakens the country's creator economy. The government has stressed that online platforms must adopt stronger compliance measures to prevent misuse of their services for copyright infringement.
Apart from the piracy issue, Telegram has also come under the scanner of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The ministry recently sought an explanation from Telegram and Signal regarding their username feature, raising concerns that it could be exploited for impersonation, phishing attacks, online fraud and so-called digital arrest scams.
The Centre had earlier raised similar concerns with Meta over a comparable username feature on WhatsApp, warning that such tools could make it easier for cybercriminals to deceive users. Following the notice, Meta representatives met government officials to discuss the issue.
Telegram had also faced government action last month when authorities temporarily restricted access to the platform during the NEET re-examination period. The company challenged the decision before the Delhi High Court, but the court upheld the government's action.
With the latest notice, Telegram is now expected to demonstrate the steps it has taken to curb piracy and improve compliance with Indian regulations within the stipulated 15-day deadline.
