India Takes A Decisive Stand Against Online Piracy With New Task Force Initiative.

India’s Anti-Piracy Crusade: Launching a Task Force to Protect the Creative Econ

The recent establishment of a dedicated task force by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to tackle the escalating issue of online piracy marks a significant milestone in safeguarding the nation’s vibrant creative sector. This move has been met with enthusiastic support from key industry players, including the Internet and Mobile Association of India, which views it as a crucial intervention to protect the economic foundations of entertainment and media. As digital platforms continue to dominate content consumption, the threat of unauthorized distribution has grown exponentially, eroding revenues and stifling innovation. This initiative comes at a time when the industry is grappling with substantial financial setbacks, underscoring the need for coordinated action between government bodies and private stakeholders to foster a more secure environment for creators and consumers alike.

Piracy in the digital age has evolved into a sophisticated challenge that transcends borders and traditional enforcement methods. In India, where the media and entertainment landscape is one of the largest and most dynamic in the world, unauthorized access to films, shows, and other content has become alarmingly commonplace. Reports indicate that a significant portion of the population engages with pirated material, often driven by factors such as high subscription costs, limited access to legal alternatives, and the convenience of illicit platforms. This not only impacts box office collections and streaming revenues but also affects the livelihoods of countless artists, technicians, and support staff involved in content creation. The government’s response through this task force reflects an understanding that addressing piracy requires a multifaceted approach, combining legal reforms, technological interventions, and public awareness campaigns.

One of the pivotal documents highlighting the severity of this issue is a comprehensive study released in late 2024, which delves into the economic ramifications of piracy on filmed entertainment and overthetop platforms. This report estimates that the piracy economy in India amounted to a staggering 224 billion rupees in 2023, positioning it as a major segment within the broader media ecosystem. Such losses translate into missed opportunities for growth, with potential tax revenues also taking a hit, estimated at up to 43 billion rupees in forgone goods and services tax. The analysis reveals that streaming accounts for the majority of pirated content sources, followed by torrents, social media, and mobile applications. Pirates themselves generate substantial income through advertisements on these illegal sites, often exceeding 100,000 rupees per month per operator.

Consumer behavior plays a central role in perpetuating this cycle. Surveys within the report show that over half of media consumers in India access pirated content, with a notable preference for highquality versions ripped from legitimate streaming services rather than poorquality theatrical leaks. A significant 70 percent of respondents indicated reluctance to pay for cinema tickets, while 84 percent expressed similar aversion to subscription fees for digital platforms. This resistance stems from the hassle of managing multiple subscriptions and the perceived unavailability of desired content on legal channels. Interestingly, 62 percent of those surveyed would shift to authorized sources if content were offered for free with advertisements, suggesting that pricing strategies and adsupported models could be key to curbing illicit consumption.

Demographic insights further illuminate the problem. Threequarters of individuals engaging with pirated material fall within the 19-to-34 age bracket, a group that is techsavvy and often resides in tier two cities where legitimate access might be limited due to infrastructure or affordability issues. Language preferences also vary, with Hindi content leading at 40 percent, followed by English at 31 percent, and South Indian languages at 23 percent. These patterns indicate that piracy is not merely a fringe activity but a widespread practice influenced by socioeconomic factors, highlighting the need for targeted interventions that address accessibility and education.

The filmed entertainment segment, which generated 197 billion rupees in 2023, is projected to expand further, yet piracy undermines this potential. Digital video subscription revenues have surged by 160 percent since the onset of the global health crisis, reaching 73 billion rupees, but growth has slowed, with expectations of reaching 103 billion by 2026. Original content produced for overthetop services is particularly vulnerable, comprising 60 percent of pirated viewership, with users spending an average of 9 hours per week on such material. This diversion not only reduces subscriber bases but also discourages investment in new productions, as creators face diminished returns on their efforts.

Legal frameworks have been strengthened to combat this menace, with a key amendment act passed in 2023 introducing stringent measures against digital piracy. This legislation prohibits unauthorized recording and transmission of films, imposing penalties that include imprisonment ranging from 3 months to 3 years and fines up to 5 percent of a film’s production cost. It empowers authorities to take swift action against illegal activities, including the blocking of infringing websites and the pursuit of criminal charges. While not a complete solution, these provisions represent a shift toward more proactive enforcement, aiming to deter both individual offenders and organized networks that profit from content theft.

The task force itself was formalized following discussions at highlevel industry forums, including a summit focused on audiovisual and entertainment advancements held earlier in 2025. During these deliberations, experts emphasized the global nature of piracy, noting its transformation into a cybercrime that funds broader illicit activities. Recommendations included the creation of a centralized body with international collaboration to coordinate crossborder efforts and invest in advanced monitoring technologies. The task force’s objectives encompass rapid response to content leaks, such as removing pirated films within the first day of detection, and developing action plans that integrate input from various ministries and industry representatives.

Industry associations have been vocal in their endorsement of this development. The leading body representing internet and mobile entities has highlighted the task force as a timely measure, aligning with ongoing calls for enhanced protection of intellectual property. Its digital entertainment committee, comprising executives from major platforms, has pledged to contribute expertise to shape effective strategies. The chair of this committee, who leads a prominent digital content division, stressed that participation would channel collective knowledge into measures that not only safeguard the economy but also promote longterm expansion. By uniting stakeholders, the initiative aims to create an environment where originality flourishes and creators feel secure in delivering diverse stories to audiences.

A cofounder of a news aggregation service and cochair of the committee echoed these sentiments, describing piracy as one of the most persistent obstacles facing the sector. He viewed the task force as an opportunity for collaborative problem solving with government and ecosystem partners, paving the way for a more reliable and trustworthy industry. Such unified voices underscore the consensus that combating piracy requires partnership, with the potential to enhance India’s standing in global markets by demonstrating a commitment to protecting creative outputs.

Broader economic implications extend beyond immediate revenue losses. Projections suggest that unchecked piracy could lead to 2.4 billion dollars in forgone earnings for the online video industry alone by 2029, affecting user growth and innovation. In 2024, losses were already at 1.2 billion dollars, with potential escalation if no interventions occur. This impacts job creation, as the sector supports millions in direct and indirect employment, from production crews to distribution networks. Moreover, piracy erodes consumer trust in legal platforms, perpetuating a cycle where quality content becomes scarcer due to reduced funding.

Global comparisons reveal that India is not alone in this struggle, but its scale amplifies the urgency. In regions like Southeast Asia, similar trends show high piracy rates driven by affordability issues, while advanced economies employ site blocking and international treaties to mitigate threats. India’s approach, incorporating dynamic injunctions that extend to mirror sites, has proven effective in legal battles against digital infringers. However, enforcement challenges persist, including the rapid emergence of new piracy domains and the need for faster judicial processes.

Recommendations from various studies advocate for a holistic strategy. This includes updating policies to cover secondary infringements like account sharing, blacklisting persistent offenders, and launching awareness campaigns in educational institutions to instill respect for intellectual property from a young age. International alliances could facilitate extradition and joint operations against transnational piracy rings. On the industry side, innovations such as watermarking premium content, bundling subscriptions, and exploring adbased tiers could make legal access more appealing.

Looking ahead, the task force holds promise for transforming the landscape. By integrating technology like artificial intelligence for detection and blockchain for rights management, it could set precedents for efficient antipiracy operations. Success will depend on sustained collaboration, adequate resourcing, and adaptability to evolving threats. If effective, this could not only recover lost revenues but also boost investor confidence, enabling the Indian entertainment industry to reach new heights on the world stage.

The creative economy, encompassing films, series, music, and more, is a cornerstone of India’s soft power. Protecting it from piracy ensures that cultural narratives continue to thrive, contributing to national identity and global influence. As the task force begins its work, backed by robust laws and industry support, there is optimism that this collective effort will yield tangible results, fostering a sustainable ecosystem for generations of storytellers.

In delving deeper into the origins of this initiative, it’s worth noting the preparatory discussions at international forums where experts from various countries shared insights on content protection. These conversations stressed the need for synergies between rights holders and enforcement agencies, highlighting successful models from other nations that could be adapted locally. For instance, coordinated takedowns and publicprivate partnerships have reduced piracy incidences elsewhere, offering blueprints for India.

Consumer education emerges as a critical pillar. Many users unknowingly contribute to piracy by sharing links or using unauthorized apps, unaware of the broader implications. Campaigns that emphasize the risks, such as malware exposure and legal consequences, alongside the benefits of supporting creators, could shift behaviors over time.

Technological advancements also play a vital role. Tools for realtime monitoring of online platforms can identify leaks swiftly, allowing for immediate interventions. Collaborations with internet service providers to block access to known piracy sites have shown promise, though balancing this with freedom of expression remains a delicate task.

The role of OTT platforms cannot be overstated. As they invest billions in original content, their vulnerability to theft necessitates internal measures like enhanced encryption and user verification. Industrywide standards for antipiracy could standardize these efforts, amplifying their impact.

Economic modeling from recent analyses projects that effective curbs on piracy could add billions to the gross domestic product through increased production and consumption. This ripple effect extends to related sectors like advertising, tourism, and merchandise, amplifying the overall benefit.

Challenges, however, abound. Enforcement in rural areas, where internet penetration is growing but awareness is low, requires tailored approaches. Additionally, the international dimension means dealing with servers hosted abroad, necessitating diplomatic efforts.

Despite these hurdles, the momentum is positive. With the task force in place, India is poised to lead in antipiracy efforts among emerging markets, setting an example for others facing similar issues.

In Conclusion, this development, the establishment of a dedicated task force by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting represents a watershed moment in India’s ongoing battle against online piracy, signaling a renewed commitment to safeguarding the nation’s thriving creative sector. By addressing piracy head-on through a multifaceted strategy that integrates legal reforms, technological innovations, and collaborative partnerships between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international allies, India stands poised to unlock the full potential of its media and entertainment industries. This initiative not only promises to recover billions in lost revenues potentially adding substantial value to the GDP through boosted production, job creation, and ancillary sectors like advertising and tourism but also fosters an environment where creators can innovate without fear of intellectual property theft. As digital consumption continues to surge, curbing unauthorized distribution will enhance consumer trust in legal platforms, encourage investment in high-quality original content, and promote accessible pricing models such as ad-supported streaming to draw users away from illicit sources. Moreover, by tackling the socioeconomic drivers of piracy, including affordability and awareness gaps, particularly among younger demographics in tier-two cities, the task force can cultivate a culture of respect for intellectual property from the ground up. Ultimately, this collective effort will not only ensure prosperity and cultural richness for generations of storytellers, artists, and technicians but also elevate India’s global standing as a leader in protecting creative economies among emerging markets, paving the way for sustainable growth, enhanced soft power, and a more equitable digital ecosystem for years to come.

Abhisht Chaturvedi is a Research Analyst at Insights International. His research interests include tech policy, media, and communications.