India orders Telegram to crack down on pirated content within 15 days

India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has ordered Telegram to take immediate action against the distribution of pirated films and copyrighted content on its platform, giving the messaging service 15 days to report on the measures it has taken.

The notice requires Telegram to remove content that illegally distributes movies and material from online cinemas and streaming platforms, while also targeting so-called "repeat offenders," including channels, groups, bots, user accounts, administrators and associated individuals involved in copyright violations, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

The directive follows India's 2021 information technology regulations, which require online platforms to remove illegal content after receiving a valid notice from government authorities or a court order.

The latest action comes as Telegram faces increased regulatory scrutiny in India over concerns related to piracy, online fraud, impersonation and the spread of sensitive content.

In recent months, Indian authorities temporarily suspended Telegram and its associated web services for one week, with the restrictions remaining in place until June 22. The government said the platform had failed to prevent the circulation of leaked examination materials for the country's unified medical entrance examination, as well as misleading content and fraudulent activities linked to the admissions process.

Telegram resumed operations in India after the temporary ban expired. The company has not publicly responded to the latest notice from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

By Sabina Mammadli