Italy: Communications Regulatory Authority issued presidential order against Telegram in investigation over alleged copyright infringement (20/25/PRES)

On 24 September 2025, the Italian Communications Authority (AGCOM) issued Presidential Order No. 20/25/PRES against Telegram Messenger Inc., following an investigation into large-scale copyright infringement. AGCOM's Directorate for Digital Rights launched the investigation on 11 September 2025 following a request received on 6 May 2025 from the Italian Publishers Association (AIE). The AIE reported that a Telegram channel and an associated website were distributing numerous literary works, including titles from Salani, Mondadori, Newton Compton, and Sperling & Kupfer, in violation of Copyright Law No. 633 of 1941. AGCOM’s checks confirmed the widespread unauthorised availability of protected works. The domain was registered via GoDaddy.com LLC using Domains By Proxy to maintain anonymity; the hosting services and servers were attributed to Telegram Messenger Inc., which is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and has servers located in the United Kingdom. Under Articles 8 and 9 of the Regulation on the Protection of Copyright on Electronic Communication Networks (Resolution 680/13/CONS), AGCOM applied the abbreviated procedure and ordered Telegram to disable access to the infringing channel within 2 days of notification. Failure to comply may result in sanctions under Law No. 249 of 1997 and referral to law enforcement under Article 182-ter of Law No. 633 of 1941. This decision can be appealed to the Regional Administrative Court of Lazio within 60 days.