The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting sent a formal notice to Telegram demanding action against pirated audiovisual content. A concurrent operation resulted in the seizure of nearly half a million counterfeit NCERT textbooks across India.

The Indian government formally notified the messaging platform Telegram on July 4, 2026, requesting an Action Taken Report within 15 days concerning the “widespread dissemination” of pirated films, OTT series, and other audiovisual material on the app [1]. The same week, officials reported that a separate enforcement operation had confiscated approximately 500,000 counterfeit copies of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks, a figure disclosed during a parliamentary briefing [3].

The notice originated from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the agency responsible for regulating broadcast and digital media in India [1]. Telegram, a global messaging service with over 30 million Indian users, was identified as a conduit for the illegal sharing of copyrighted content, prompting the ministry to shift from reactive takedowns to demanding platform-level accountability [1]. The seizure of fake NCERT books was carried out by a joint task force comprising officials from the Ministry of Education, the Directorate of Enforcement, and state police units, operating in multiple states including Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka [3].

Government Notice to Telegram

The notice to Telegram outlined three primary directives: (1) to remove or disable access to pirated audiovisual content hosted on its servers; (2) to provide a detailed Action Taken Report within 15 days; and (3) to cooperate with future investigations under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics) Rules, 2023 [1][4]. Failure to comply could result in penalties, including the suspension of the platform’s operations in India, according to the ministry’s communication [2][4].

Telegram’s response, as reported by the ministry, indicated that the company would review the notice and take “appropriate remedial action” but did not disclose specific timelines or technical measures [1]. The ministry’s approach reflects a broader policy shift toward holding digital platforms responsible for user-generated copyright infringements, a stance reinforced by recent amendments to India’s copyright and IT laws [2].

Failure to comply could result in penalties, including the suspension of the platform’s operations in India, according to the ministry’s communication [2][4].

The notice also referenced ongoing investigations into the distribution of pirated movies and OTT content that have generated revenue losses estimated in the billions of rupees for the Indian creator economy and film industry [1][2]. The ministry emphasized that the action is part of a coordinated effort to protect intellectual property rights and to ensure that digital platforms comply with Indian legal standards [4].

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Seizure of Counterfeit NCERT Textbooks

During a parliamentary session on July 5, 2026, the Ministry of Education disclosed that law-enforcement agencies had seized roughly 500,000 counterfeit NCERT textbooks, which are widely used in public schools across the country [3]. The operation targeted distribution networks that printed and sold unauthorized copies of NCERT’s Class 6-12 textbooks at lower prices, undermining the government’s “Free Textbook” initiative that provides genuine books at no cost to students [3].

The seized materials were found in warehouses, retail outlets, and informal market stalls in major cities and smaller towns, indicating a nationwide supply chain for pirated educational content [3]. Officials reported that the counterfeit books often contained missing pages, altered diagrams, and substandard paper, raising concerns about the quality of education delivered to students who inadvertently purchased them [3].

The crackdown was coordinated by the Directorate of Enforcement under the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with state police and the NCERT’s own verification teams [3]. Authorities seized the books, documented serial numbers, and initiated legal proceedings against the identified manufacturers and distributors, citing violations of the Copyright Act, 1957 and the National Educational Policy, 2020 [3].

Immediate Impact on Students, Educators, and Institutions

The government’s actions are expected to reduce the availability of pirated audiovisual content on Telegram, thereby limiting unauthorized access to copyrighted movies and series for Indian users [1][2]. For students, the removal of counterfeit NCERT textbooks aims to ensure that learners receive accurate and complete curriculum material, supporting the objectives of the government’s free-textbook scheme [3].

The Ministry of Education has announced a public awareness campaign to inform parents and students about the risks associated with fake textbooks and to provide guidance on obtaining legitimate copies [3].

Educators and school administrators are advised to verify the authenticity of textbooks through official NCERT channels and to report any suspected counterfeit copies to local authorities [3]. The Ministry of Education has announced a public awareness campaign to inform parents and students about the risks associated with fake textbooks and to provide guidance on obtaining legitimate copies [3].

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Institutions that rely on digital platforms for supplementary educational content may need to review compliance procedures with Telegram and similar services to avoid potential legal exposure [2][4]. The notice to Telegram also signals to other digital intermediaries that non-compliance with Indian copyright enforcement could trigger regulatory action, potentially influencing platform policies nationwide [2][4].

Key Facts

What: Indian ministry issues notice to Telegram and seizes 500,000 fake NCERT textbooks.

When: Notices issued July 4-5, 2026; seizures disclosed in Parliament July 5, 2026.

Impact: Reduces access to pirated media, protects authentic educational resources, and mandates platform accountability.

Impact: Reduces access to pirated media, protects authentic educational resources, and mandates platform accountability.

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Sources

• Telegram gets Centre’s notice; pirated movies, OTT content under … – Onmanorama
• Centre Cracks Down On Telegram Over Pirated Films, OTT Content, Issues … – Times Now News
• Nearly 5 Lakh Fake NCERT Textbooks Seized In Piracy Crackdown: Government In Parliament – NDTV
• Govt asks Telegram to curb pirated content or face action – Rediff