Viral/ Kantara star Rishab Shetty reveals industry faces loss worth ₹20,000 crore annually due to piracy

Kantara star Rishab Shetty has extended his support to the government to stop film piracy. On Friday (November 4), the government said it has appointed nodal officers who have been empowered to issue directions to take down pirated content from digital platforms.

Rishab Shetty takes a stand against piracy

On Friday, the actor took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle and shared a press release issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcast. In the caption, he wrote, "Major action to curb film piracy as industry faces losses of Rs. 20,000 crore annually due to piracy. CBFC and @MIB_India officers authorised to direct blocking/take down of any website/App/link carrying pirated filmic content."

The entertainment industry loses around Rs 20,000 crore every year owing to piracy

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur revealed that the government has taken this action as every year, the entertainment industry suffers a huge loss. He said, "We have fulfilled a big demand of the industry" and added that the government has appointed 12 nodal officers in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Central Bureau of Film Certification (CBFC) with whom complaints related to film piracy can be lodged and action will be taken within 48 hours.

"Piracy is a big menace not only for the film industry, but for the entire world. Now, action against it is just a complaint away," Thakur said.

Explaining the process, Thakur added that any original copyright holder or any person authorised by them for the purpose can file a complaint with the nodal officers to take down pirated content from YouTube, Telegram channels, websites or other online platforms. The copyright holder will have to submit proof of ownership such as the certificate issued by the CBFC with the complaint for speedier action.

He signed off by saying, "We had promised the industry that they should leave no stone unturned in making India a soft power, make good films and the government will take strict action against those indulging in film piracy."

With PTI inputs