Govt Blocks 3,100 Telegram Channels, 800 Websites Over Pirated Content

In a written reply to Pradyut Bordoloi, Union minister of state for information and broadcasting Dr L. Murugan said the action was taken under provisions of the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023 and the Information Technology Act, 2000 to curb film piracy.

“In accordance with the provisions of law, the Telegram App was notified under Section 79(3)(b) of IT Act, 2000, on March 11, 2026 to remove and disable access to the 3,142 channels publishing content owned by or licensed to certain content owners, OTT platforms and producers without authorization in violation of the Copyright Act, 1957,” Dr Murugan said.

He said access to around 800 websites hosting pirated content has also been blocked through Internet Service Providers.

Referring to the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023, the minister said provisions under Sections 6AA and 6AB prohibit unauthorised recording and transmission of films.

“Section 7 (1A) provides that if any person contravenes the provisions of Section 6AA or Section 6AB, they shall be punishable with a minimum 3 months imprisonment and fine of Rs three lakh, which can be extended up to three years imprisonment and fine up to five percent of the audited gross production cost. Further, Section 7(1B)(ii) enables the Government to notify the intermediaries hosting pirated content under section 79(3) of the Information Technology Act, 2000,” he said.

In a separate reply, the minister said the WAVES OTT platform launched by Prasar Bharati in November 2024 has recorded over 84 lakh registered users.

“A large repository of archival content from Prasar Bharati, including television shows, documentary films and other programmes, has been made available on the WAVES OTT platform. The publishing of archival programmes is being undertaken in a phased manner to enhance discoverability and strengthen audience engagement,” he said.

He added that an inter-departmental committee has been constituted to examine complaints related to violations of programme and advertising codes by private television channels.