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Allegations of content theft from movies and OTT platforms. Now the Center has sent a notice to the messaging app Telegram. The ‘stolen’ content has been ordered to be removed immediately. Besides, the notice said to inform about the steps taken by the organization to prevent piracy in detail within 15 days. This step is to ensure the protection of film industry, broadcasting companies, OTT platforms, producers.

Telegram has been accused of stealing movies and OTT content many times over the past few years. As soon as the movies and series came out in the market, it would reach everyone’s mobile phones through Telegram. Naturally, the producers of the movie-series would face financial shock due to this. This movie-series is legally a crime. That is why the government is on the path of strict action. The notice sent to Telegram said, ‘The government expects Telegram to take strict measures to prevent the spread of pirated movies, OTT content and other audio-visual content through its platform.’ In this regard, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting told Telegram that the theft of this movie series is not only a civil offence, but also a criminal offense under the ‘Copyright Act, 1957’ and the ‘Cinematograph Act, 1952’.

According to sources, the notice sought to know what the Center has done to stop Telegram piracy keeping producers, OTT platforms and law enforcement agencies in mind. Telegram is also reminded that as an intermediary, they must take due care as per the Information Technology Act and Information Technology Rules. It may be noted that last Wednesday, the Ministry of Information and Technology (MeitY) issued a notice to Meta questioning the planned username feature on WhatsApp.