In early November, India’s government asked Media and Entertainment industry stakeholders to weigh in with concerns and challenges in identifying and removing pirated content, technological or procedural gaps in enforcement and coordination, measures that can strengthen proactive monitoring and takedown mechanisms.
It also sought suggestions toward best practices that are available internationally, which may be relevant to the Indian ecosystem, and suggestions for improving coordination between platforms, Government agencies and rights holders.
The comment period opened on November 7, 2025, and was initially to be closed on November 27. However, the government extended this deadline by two weeks, at the request of industry stakeholders.
Technological challenges and their available remedies have evolved along with the challenge of piracy itself. While India’s Cyber Crime Coordination Centre is tasked to address digital piracy, early commenters noted that the agency’s scope is insufficient to address the sophisticated multiplatform and multi-level nature of pirate operators.
While India does have laws on the books, they need to be updated. India already imposes penalties for piracy in 2023, and increased them earlier in 2025.
Why it matters
In view of industry concern regarding economic losses and enforcement challenges posed by digital piracy of films, broadcasting content and OTT content and considering the cross-sectoral implications involving stakeholders of the Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry, India’s Ministry of Industry and Broadcasting intends to review existing mechanisms and regulation toward mitigating that problem. The Ministry also intends to review telecom infrastructure and enforcement mechanisms.
The intent is to strengthen anti piracy strategies and explore modalities for engagement with stakeholders, which include the film industry, streaming platforms, TV channels, and intermediary platforms.
Further reading
Inviting inputs in addressing copyright infringement and strengthen anti-piracy strategies. Public notice A-50013/11/2025-DM. November 7, 2025. Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Government of India
MIB extends deadline for public comments on anti-piracy framework as industry pushes for stronger enforcement. Article. November 26, 2025. by Akanksha Nagar. Storyboard 18 (India)
India amends Cinematograph Act of 1952, increasing penalties for movie piracy. Article. July 28, 2025. by Steven Hawley. Piracy Monitor
India: Cinematograph Act amended to add financial penalties and imprisonment for piracy. Article. July 31, 2023. by Steven Hawley. Piracy Monitor
