An Israeli court has ordered Telegram to monitor pirated content

In response to a lawsuit filed by ZIRA Copyrights online, the Israeli District Court ruled that Telegram should be held responsible and prevent user groups from distributing content such as series, movies, Hebrew translations, and music. Among the groups that violate copyright are “Nati Media”, “Dov Movies and Serials”, “Gozlan” and “Sdarot”, and some groups have as many as 100,000 members. ZIRA is an association of content owners and licensees based in Israel that first filed the lawsuit in February 2020, when it filed a petition against distributing copyrighted content in Telegram groups. Plaintiffs were joined by United King Films, YES, HOT and Reshet. In the lawsuit filed by Advs. Eran Pristini and Lyaz Zelmanson of the law firm M Veron & Partners, Telegram has been mandated to serve its users for distribution, making available to the public, broadcasting and copying copyrighted content, such as: TV series, films, Hebrew translations, and music, by sharing files that violate, or sharing Links to files for direct viewing or downloading.Some activities are performed while users collect money in exchange for providing services. In the past, ZIRA contacted the Telegram administration and brought to their attention a list of dozens of piracy groups, whose activities violate copyright in Israel and abroad. Telegram responded, “We agree to block channels or force system administrators to remove reported content immediately.” However, Zira claimed at the court session last week, “They deleted the films in part or in full, but not immediately, and not in a way to our liking.” Although Telegram did not provide a defensive statement, Judge Rami Amir issued an injunction preventing Telegram from allowing such copyrighted material. The judge ruled that the defendant must pay compensation of 100,000 shekels and additional legal expenses of 60,000 shekels. M. Firon & Co. Lawyer Partner and Head of Intellectual Property Adv. Eran Branty said, “We welcome the court order that will help combat pirate viewing and wholesale copyright violations that exist without being disturbed on the Telegram network. We are currently working with Telegram to enforce the court order and we will not hesitate to take action again against any platform, in any court and by all means.” In order to eradicate similar phenomena, the rights and livelihoods of producers, performers and artists in Israel must not be rendered worthless. ” Posted by Globes, Israel business news – en.globes.co.il – February 8, 2021 © Copyright Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2021