International Video Piracy: A Growing Threat and How to Combat It
By Movieguide® Contributor
Video piracy is a booming illegal industry, raking in billions annually by distributing copyrighted content without permission. This report by IP House, commissioned by the Digital Citizens Alliance, dives deep into the mechanics of video piracy, its impact, and potential solutions.
How Piracy Works
Piracy operates through two main channels: Video-on-Demand (VOD) services and live-streaming. VOD piracy services mimic legitimate streaming platforms, offering vast libraries of movies and TV shows, often including content still in theaters. These services attract users with professional interfaces and low subscription fees or free access supported by ads. Live-streaming piracy, on the other hand, provides real-time programming, including sports and pay-per-view events, at a fraction of the cost of legitimate services.
The Scale and Impact of Piracy
Piracy is not just a minor nuisance; it’s a massive industry. The report highlights that global piracy operators generate over $2 billion annually. This illegal activity harms creators, businesses, and governments. Creators lose revenue, legitimate businesses struggle to compete, and governments miss out on tax revenues. Moreover, piracy sites often expose users to malware and credit card fraud, posing significant risks to consumers.
Who Are the Pirates?
Piracy operators are often elusive, operating from regions with lax enforcement of copyright laws. Notorious figures like Kim Dotcom have amassed fortunes through piracy, flaunting their wealth while evading justice. These operators target wealthy countries, particularly the U.S., where demand for content is high.
Combating Piracy: The Case for Site-Blocking
One promising solution to combat piracy is site-blocking. This involves court orders to block access to piracy sites, a method already used in over 50 countries. The report presents evidence from the UK, Portugal, and Australia, showing significant reductions in traffic to blocked sites and increases in legitimate streaming[8]. Despite initial fears, site-blocking has not harmed internet functionality or legitimate websites.
Conclusion
The report concludes that site-blocking is an effective, proportionate measure to combat piracy. It urges U.S. policymakers to consider adopting site-blocking to protect consumers, businesses, and the economy from the harms of international video piracy.
This article was taken from the report Overseas and Out of Reach: International Video Piracy and U.S. Options to Combat It.