Italy: Communications Regulatory Authority issued presidential order against Telegram in investigation over alleged copyright infringement (21/25/PRES)

On 2 October 2025, the Italian Communications Authority (AGCOM) issued Presidential Order No. 21/25/PRES against Telegram Messenger Inc. following an investigation into alleged large-scale copyright infringement. The measure was adopted under the Regulation on the Protection of Copyright on Electronic Communication Networks (Resolution 680/13/CONS), based on a request received on 8 September 2025 from the Italian Publishers Association (AIE). The association reported the unauthorised distribution of more than 11'000 literary works, including titles from Giunti, Einaudi, HarperCollins, Newton Compton, and Mondadori, in violation of Copyright Law No. 633 of 1941. The Directorate for Digital Rights and Protection of Fundamental Rights opened an investigative proceeding on 11 September 2025 and confirmed the accessibility of a significant number of protected works, amounting to a serious and large-scale infringement. The investigation found no justification for access under copyright exceptions, and no counterarguments were submitted by the parties within the prescribed 3 working days. The President ordered Telegram to disable access to the infringing channel within 2 days of notification. Non-compliance may lead to sanctions under Article 1(31) of Law No. 249 of 31 July 1997 and referral to judicial police authorities under Article 182-ter of Law No. 633 of 1941. The order may be appealed before the Regional Administrative Court of Lazio within 60 days.