ZEE Entertainment Secures ‘Dynamic+’ John Doe Order To Protect Against Digital Privacy

ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd has been granted a ‘Dynamic+’ John Doe order by the Delhi high court for protection against digital privacy.

This order will enable Zee to take action against websites illegally streaming its content, including movies, tv shows and Zee OTT content, without needing repeated court permissions.

Notably, a John Doe order is a legal order which enables a person or organisation to take action against an unidentified individual or group. The term “John Doe” is used as a placeholder for the unknown party accused of wrongdoing.

Under this framework, Zee can directly notify the department of telecommunications (DoT), ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY), and internet service providers to block infringing websites as they are identified. 

This eliminates the delays associated with traditional court processes and allows faster enforcement of anti-piracy measures.

The order also expands piracy protection to Zee’s entire entertainment library, which goes beyond the usual focus on live events. Initially, the court directed the blocking of 103 websites involved in unauthorised streaming of Zee’s content.

Lately the Indian entertainment sector has seen a rise in copyright infringement cases, with the most recent Asia News International (ANI) reportedly suing Netflix and producers of the show “Watch IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack” over alleged copyright and trademark infringement.

In its petition, ANI alleged that the Netflix show used footage featuring the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, General Parvez Musharraf, and others without any licence.

Meanwhile, in other news, Zee pulled out of the $1.4 Bn TV sub-licensing deal with Disney Star for International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments for the 2024-27 period.

Recently, the media conglomerate also infused INR 3.75 Cr as a part of a strategic funding round in a dating platform fluttr. 

Note: We at Inc42 take our ethics very seriously. More information about it can be found here.