TGCSB introduces anti-piracy disclaimer and SOP to combat film piracy

TGCSB introduces an anti-piracy disclaimer and SOP to combat film piracy and protect the Telugu film industry.

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGSCB) launched a new anti-piracy disclaimer to be displayed before movie screenings in theatres and introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for investigating film piracy cases, as part of efforts to curb illegal recording and distribution of films.

The initiatives were launched during a stakeholder consultation meeting organised by the TGCSB in collaboration with the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce to strengthen coordination between law enforcement agencies and the film industry in addressing digital piracy.

The anti-piracy unit of the bureau had been set up on January 5 this year to focus on cases involving illegal recording, distribution and online circulation of films.

Shikha Goel, Director of the TGCSB, and Daggubati Suresh Babu, president of the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, formally launched the new disclaimer and the investigation protocol during the meeting.

Representatives from several industry stakeholders including UFO Moviez, Qube Cinema, Prasad’s Digital, K Sera Sera, Sony TSR, PVR INOX, Cinepolis, the Telangana Exhibitors Association, Ranga Cine Complex, Annapurna Studios, 82H Studios, Sarathi Studios and Deccan Dreams attended the consultation.

According to industry estimates shared during the meeting, the Telugu film industry incurs losses of nearly ₹13,700 crore annually due to piracy, while the losses to the Indian film industry are estimated at over ₹22,400 crore.