I&B Ministry issues fresh notice to Telegram on pirated content

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting sent a fresh notice to Telegram on Saturday (July 4, 2026), accusing the platform of not doing enough to stop piracy. The I&B Ministrydemanded proactive takedown of piracy groups and channels, warning of “further examination and action under the applicable legal framework”.

The Ministry asked the platform to strengthen its system for the detection and takedown of pirated content, directing Telegram to provide details on the mechanism for grievance redressal for OTT platforms, directors and law-enforcement agencies.

It also asked the platform to submit an Action Taken Report within 15 days, stating that as an intermediary, Telegram must abide by IT Act and IT rules.

Telegram has been asked to be proactive rather than expecting the government to take steps on piracy channels, adding that copyright infringement is not merely a civil offence but also a criminal offence in India under the Copyright Act, 1957 and Cinematograph Act, 1952.

Telegram recently came under government scrutiny regarding the NEET-UG paper leak incident, and the platform wasrestricted just before NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination after the National Testing Agency (NTA) said that the platform was used by cheating rackets to defraud candidates appearing for the NEET (UG) 2026.