TGSCB introduces SOP for investigation of film piracy cases

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau has drafted a Standard Operating Procedure to guide investigations into film piracy cases. The SOP outlines procedures for registering FIRs, collecting digital evidence and coordinating with service providers to curb organised piracy networks

Hyderabad: With an aim to set guidelines for thorough investigation into anti film piracy cases, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGSCB) has drafted a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to assist investigators.

Shikha Goel, Director, TGSCB, said that the SOPs are designed to strengthen enforcement against digital film piracy and establish a structured framework for investigation, digital evidence collection and coordinated action against piracy networks.

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“Industry estimates indicate that the Telugu film industry incurs losses of nearly Rs 13,700 crores annually, while the Indian film industry loses over Rs 22,400 crores due to piracy. Telangana Police have been actively addressing this challenge and have taken significant enforcement action against organised piracy networks,” said Shikha Goel.

The investigations have revealed that piracy generally originates from two primary sources: leakage of digital film content before release at the post-production or digital service provider level, and cam-cording inside theatres during film screenings, which accounts for the majority of piracy incidents.

“The newly launched SOP provides a comprehensive investigative framework, outlining procedures for registration of FIRs under the relevant provisions of the Copyright Act, Cinematograph Act and Information Technology Act. It also helps in proper forensic examination of pirated content, identification of source theatres through watermarking and server data analysis, coordination with digital service providers and industry stakeholders, preservation of electronic evidence and action for blocking infringing URLs under applicable IT Rules,” said the official.