I&B Ministry
I&B sets deadline for MSOs interested in DAS phase III
NEW DELHI: All multi-system operators interested in distributing digital cable television services through the local cable operators in areas covered under phase III have been asked to apply by 21 December, this year.
Phase III Digital Addressable System comes into effect from 31 December 2015, according to the revised deadlines.
This phase will cover all remaining Municipal Corporations and Municipalities.
The application in Form 6 (in triplicate) duly filled in and complete in all respects along with enclosures/documents and processing fee etc., has to be submitted to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
It must contain details of the company/firm, directors/key executives and shareholding pattern etc in the prescribed Proforma.
Application can also be submitted in person during Open House Meeting held on every Tuesday between 11 AM to 12 noon after sending request by email at das.mib@qmail.com or sobpandl@omail.com .
The application form (Form 6) and Proforma for details of company etc can be downloaded from Ministry’s official websites: www.mib.nic.in or www. digitalindiamib.com.
Applications received after 31 December 2014 will not be accepted/entertained for phase lll areas till cutoff date of phase lll is over. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Queries in this regard can be addressed to das.mib@omail.com or contact Section Officer (DAS) on telephone no. 011-23381478.
I&B Ministry
India tightens anti-piracy law, blocks sites and Telegram channels
New rules bring jail terms, fines and faster takedowns of illegal content
NEW DELHI: The Government of India has stepped up its fight against film piracy, invoking stricter provisions under the Cinematograph Amendment Act 2023 to crack down on unauthorised recording and distribution.
The law now imposes tougher penalties, including jail terms ranging from three months to three years and fines starting at Rs. 3 lakh, which can go up to 5 per cent of a film’s production cost. The provisions target both illegal recording in cinemas and unauthorised online transmission.
In a fresh enforcement push, authorities have notified the Telegram platform to act against piracy, leading to the identification of 3,142 channels allegedly distributing copyrighted content without permission. In parallel, access to around 800 piracy websites has been blocked through internet service providers.
The action has been taken under the Information Technology Act 2000, which empowers the government to direct intermediaries to remove unlawful content. The framework is further reinforced by the Information Technology Rules 2021, requiring platforms to act swiftly when notified of violations.
An institutional mechanism is also in place, allowing copyright holders and authorised representatives to file complaints through designated nodal officers. Once verified, these complaints trigger takedown notices to intermediaries for disabling access to infringing content.
The update was shared in Parliament by Government of India minister of state information and broadcasting l murugan in response to a query from Parimal Nathwani.
The government’s latest move signals a sharper, more coordinated approach to tackling piracy across both physical and digital channels. For the film industry, it is a step towards protecting revenues, while for viewers, it reinforces the shift towards legitimate content consumption.
