The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has praised the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s decision to form an anti-piracy task force. This move is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding India’s booming creative economy. The announcement comes at a time when digital piracy continues to hurt the entertainment industry, with staggering losses reported annually.
The Cinematograph Amendment Act 2023 already laid the groundwork by introducing strict penalties for piracy. Authorities now have the power to take action against illegal recordings and unauthorized transmissions. The urgency for such measures was further highlighted by the 2024 Rob Report, a joint study by EY and IAMAI. Shockingly, the report revealed that India’s entertainment industry loses a massive Rs. 224 billion every year due to piracy. More than half of media consumers admit to watching pirated content, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement and better access to legal platforms.
Kiran Mani, CEO of JioStar and Chair of IAMAI’s Digital Entertainment Committee, expressed optimism about the task force. “IAMAI’s involvement ensures industry expertise will shape decisive actions,” he said. “This collaboration will protect creators and foster long-term growth.” Mani emphasized that the initiative will help build an ecosystem where original content can flourish, giving creators the confidence to share more stories with audiences.
Deepit Purkayastha, Co-founder and CEO of Inshorts and Co-Chair of the committee, echoed these sentiments. “Piracy remains a major challenge,” he said. “This task force allows us to work closely with the government to develop effective solutions.” Purkayastha stressed the importance of a united front in building a stronger and more trustworthy entertainment industry.
With the new task force, robust legal frameworks, and industry-wide collaboration, India’s media and entertainment sector is poised for progress. This initiative not only aims to curb piracy but also to enhance India’s credibility as a global content hub. The focus now shifts to implementation, as stakeholders work together to turn these plans into impactful actions.