Unified action against piracy streaming sites
October 18, 2020In the recent virtual town hall discussion organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute entitled, “Digital Risks in the New Normal,” the fears of ordinary Filipino consumers brought about by our dependence on digital tools were exposed. These come in form of phishing attacks, online scams, and other cyber-security threats that are harmful to all users. Because of these, the public is susceptible to the misuse of their personal data and even to financial losses.
One primary issue tackled in the program was the increasing access to illegal content online through piracy streaming sites. The September survey report of YouGov for the Asia Video Industry Association’s Coalition Against Piracy revealed that 49-percent of Filipinos have admitted accessing piracy streaming sites. This record is one of the highest percentages among the Southeast Asian countries included in the survey.
This is an unfortunate reality that has to be addressed. The patronage of pirated content online puts our creative, film and media industries at jeopardy. Our local media industry has been struggling in promoting its content as it competes with foreign media giants. More so, the use of piracy streaming sites exposes the users to data privacy and cyber security risks. Hackers take advantage of streaming sites and its downloaded materials to spread malware that damage both software programs and hardware devices.
It is with these reasons that CitizenWatch Philippines calls on the general public to be responsible consumers by respecting intellectual property rights. Our support to legal online content will reinforce the creative and media industries, fostering business that creates jobs and livelihoods to thousands of Filipinos. Additionally, adherence to legal online content also protects consumers from data privacy and cybersecurity threats.
However, civic-engagement by being responsible consumers will not fully curb this issue. The government must also do its part by enacting policies to protect our media industries and the consuming public.
The key first step is for government to entirely support the ramping up of our digital infrastructures led by the Filipino telecom industry. These critical infrastructures will serve as the backbone of society as we have accelerated our digital transformation. Government must also pass legislation that would strengthen the protection and promotion of intellectual property, and deliver the necessary digital services in the new normal.
CitizenWatch Philippines calls on the private and public sector for unified action in the development of intellectual property rights. This is for advancement of our media industries and the data protection of all consumers online. Let us support and defend the Filipino consumers from digital risks!