Centre intensifies crackdown on online film piracy, blocks websites and channels

The Centre has intensified its crackdown on film piracy, invoking stricter provisions under the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023 and expanding enforcement across digital platforms, including messaging apps and websites.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan said the amended law introduces a more stringent penal framework aimed at deterring unauthorised recording and distribution of films. Under the new provisions, offenders can face imprisonment ranging from a minimum of three months to a maximum of three years, along with fines starting at Rs 3 lakh and going up to 5% of the audited gross production cost of the film.

The amendments insert Sections 6AA and 6AB into the parent law, explicitly prohibiting the unauthorised recording and transmission of cinematograph films. Further, Section 7(1A) lays down penalties for violations, while Section 7(1B)(ii) empowers the government to notify intermediaries hosting pirated content, enabling action under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

As part of its latest enforcement drive, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed the Telegram platform to remove and disable access to 3,142 channels found to be distributing pirated content belonging to film producers, OTT platforms and other rights holders. In parallel, access to nearly 800 websites hosting infringing content has been blocked through internet service providers.

Officials said these actions were carried out under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, which allows the government to notify intermediaries of unlawful content and require its removal or disablement. Intermediaries are obligated to act upon such notices or court orders to retain safe harbour protections.

To streamline enforcement, the ministry has also put in place an institutional mechanism with designated nodal officers to receive and process complaints related to online piracy. As per a public notice issued in November 2023, complaints can be filed by copyright holders, their authorised representatives or any individual flagging infringing content. Upon verification, the government issues takedown notices to intermediaries for specific links.

The anti-piracy push is further reinforced by the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which place due diligence obligations on intermediaries. These include ensuring that their platforms are not used to host, publish or transmit content that infringes copyright, trademark or other proprietary rights, and taking proactive steps to curb such violations.

The move comes at a time when piracy has increasingly shifted to digital ecosystems, including encrypted messaging platforms and streaming-linked websites, posing challenges for enforcement agencies and content owners. By combining legal amendments with platform-level action, the government is seeking to tighten oversight and improve compliance across the digital content value chain.

The latest measures signal a more coordinated and technology-led approach to tackling piracy, with a focus on faster takedowns, intermediary accountability and stronger deterrence for offenders.