Centre Blocks Nearly 5,000 Telegram Channels, 1,263 Websites in Major Anti-Piracy Crackdown

The Central Government has intensified its fight against online film piracy by directing intermediaries to disable thousands of piracy-linked digital platforms, including Telegram channels and websites that were allegedly involved in the unauthorized distribution of films.

According to information shared in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, a total of 7,393 URLs have been disabled as part of the government’s anti-piracy enforcement efforts. These include 1,263 websites and 4,996 Telegram channels that were found to be facilitating the illegal circulation of copyrighted film content.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan provided the details in a written reply to a question raised by Janasena Party MP Balashowry Vallabhaneni. The minister stated that the government has strengthened both the legal and institutional framework to address the growing challenge of online film piracy and the unauthorized dissemination of movies through digital intermediaries.

The crackdown comes in the wake of amendments made to the Cinematograph Act, 1952. Through the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023, the government introduced specific provisions aimed at curbing unauthorized recording and exhibition of films. One of the key additions is Section 7(1B)(ii), which empowers authorities to take action against intermediaries hosting or enabling access to pirated film content.

The government’s actions are also supported by provisions under the Information Technology Act, 2000. Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act allows the appropriate government to notify intermediaries and direct them to remove or disable access to unlawful content. This legal framework has become a crucial tool in tackling digital piracy across websites, messaging platforms, and other online services.

Under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, intermediaries are required to act promptly when informed about content that violates existing laws. Such action may be initiated through court orders or notifications issued by the government or its authorized agencies.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said that whenever it receives complaints regarding pirated film copies being circulated online, it issues notifications to intermediaries directing them to remove or block access to the infringing content. To streamline enforcement, the government has also authorized the Joint Secretary in charge of films within the ministry to issue content takedown notices under the relevant provisions of the IT Rules and the Cinematograph Act.

In addition, the ministry has established an institutional mechanism dedicated to receiving complaints from copyright holders. The mechanism enables rights owners to report pirated copies of films available on the internet, allowing authorities to quickly notify intermediaries and seek the removal of infringing material.

The latest action highlights the government’s increasing focus on protecting intellectual property rights and reducing revenue losses faced by the film industry due to digital piracy. By targeting websites, Telegram channels, and other online platforms used for illegal distribution, authorities aim to create a stronger deterrent against copyright violations and ensure greater compliance with India’s anti-piracy laws.