The central government has intensified its efforts to tackle online film piracy by strengthening the legal and institutional framework for removing unauthorised copies of films from digital platforms. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that action has been taken against thousands of online sources that were illegally sharing pirated films. The move aims to curb the widespread circulation of copyrighted content through intermediaries such as Telegram and websites.

The information was shared by the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr L Murugan, in a written reply to a question raised by Janasena Party MP Balashowry Vallabhaneni. He said that intermediaries have been directed to disable a total of 7,393 URLs linked to film piracy. These include 1,263 websites and 4,996 Telegram channels that were found to be involved in the unauthorised distribution of films. The action has been taken under the legal provisions that govern content takedown orders.

The government stated that it has strengthened its legal framework through amendments to the Cinematograph Act. The Cinematograph Act, 1952, amended under the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023, introduced specific provisions to prevent the illegal recording and exhibition of films. These changes have given the government additional powers to act against piracy and improve enforcement.

One of the major additions is Section 7(1B) (ii) of the amended Act. This provision allows the government to take action against intermediaries that host pirated film content by using the powers available under Section 79(3) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The amendment enables authorities to direct intermediaries to remove or disable access to infringing content when required.

The ministry also referred to Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. This provision allows the government to notify intermediaries to remove or block access to unlawful content. It forms the legal basis for issuing takedown notices to platforms that host pirated material.

The government further explained that the Information Technology Rules, 2021, place clear responsibilities on intermediaries. Under these rules, intermediaries must remove or disable access to content that violates any law in force as soon as they become aware of it. This can happen through a court order or after receiving a notice from the appropriate government or an authorised agency.

The ministry outlined the process after receiving a complaint about film piracy and issued notifications to intermediaries, directing them to remove or disable access to the infringing content without delay. This process is intended to prevent the continued circulation of pirated films on online platforms.

To make the system more effective, the government has authorised the joint secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, who oversees matters related to films, to issue content takedown notices under the Information Technology Rules, 2021, and the Cinematograph Act, 1952. This authorisation allows faster action against platforms that host pirated content.

The ministry has also established an institutional mechanism to address complaints related to online film piracy. Under this system, copyright holders can report pirated copies of films available on the internet. Once a complaint is received, the ministry examines the matter and issues notifications to intermediaries, directing them to disable access to the reported content. This mechanism is designed to support copyright holders and strengthen the protection of films from illegal online distribution.

Through these legal amendments and enforcement measures, the government is expanding its efforts to reduce online film piracy. The latest action against thousands of websites, Telegram channels and other URLs reflects a stronger focus on protecting copyrighted content and ensuring that digital platforms comply with the law.