Opinion

Pirated Content Comes With Immense Personal Risks

BY Soko Directory Team · December 19, 2024 03:12 pm

Digital piracy represents a significant and growing global challenge, with projections indicating that this illicit industry could reach a market value of $125 billion by 2028. Notably, movies and television shows account for approximately 92% of the demand for pirated video content.

The ramifications of such content theft extend across the entire entertainment sector, resulting in substantial revenue losses that jeopardize employment opportunities, inhibit creativity, and limit consumer choices. Importantly, individuals need to remain cognizant of the myriad hidden costs associated with what is often perceived as “free” content. If an offer appears too good to be true, it is advisable to approach it with skepticism.

Moreover, content pirates frequently operate within organized crime networks, utilizing their platforms to perpetrate financial fraud, engage in identity theft, or install malware on users’ devices. Research indicates that accessing pirated content websites carries a 59% risk of inadvertently downloading malware, which may compromise personal data and passwords. In addition to the potential for data breaches—wherein pirate sites may scrape sensitive information and sell it on the dark web—additional risks include spyware, which can jeopardize both personal identity and financial security.

Law enforcement agencies maintain vigilance in monitoring piracy activities, and individuals found guilty of piracy may face significant legal consequences, potentially resulting in imprisonment for up to five years. For instance, the Partners Against Piracy (PAP) initiative has conducted over 150 raids, leading to the apprehension of more than 100 piracy suspects across Africa in the past years. A recent coordinated operation by the Kenya Copyright Board and the Kenya Police culminated in the dismantling of the pirate streaming site score808.US, a prominent distributor of unauthorized sports content, during which the primary suspect associated with the site was arrested.

As the leading provider of video content in Africa, we prioritize the security of our users. Our offerings consist solely of legitimate, licensed, and fully compensated content. We collaborate with cybersecurity firms, such as Irdeto, to safeguard the integrity of our platforms and employ state-of-the-art security measures to protect user information.

Our platforms utilize advanced encryption technologies to secure personal data and payment information. MultiChoice adheres to the most stringent global security standards to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring the protection of user details while engaging with our premium content, whether viewing the latest feature films or live sporting events.

Furthermore, artificial intelligence technology has increasingly proven effective in scanning the internet for copyrighted material. Automated tracing systems are employed to identify and penalize perpetrators of content piracy, facilitating legal action against offenders.

To bolster our anti-piracy efforts, MultiChoice has established specialized teams dedicated to identifying and disrupting piracy networks around the clock. We work in conjunction with global industry leaders to detect pirated content and take immediate corrective actions, including issuing take-down notices to websites hosting stolen content, while collaborating with law enforcement to ensure the continued protection of our users and their access to secure, high-quality entertainment.

Moreover, we process subscriber payments through reputable, industry-compliant, and data-secure gateways such as Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal, thereby ensuring that customer financial information remains uncompromised and providing assurance that they can enjoy their favorite programming without concern.

Education plays a pivotal role in combating piracy. Initiatives such as the PAP program assist consumers in recognizing and avoiding pirated content, stressing the critical importance of legally and ethically supporting the entertainment industry. Making informed choices not only safeguards employment but also nurtures the creative sector and promotes equity within entertainment.

To ensure personal and familial safety from content piracy, it is imperative to exclusively stream from authorized, licensed sources such as DStv, Showmax, and BoxOffice while avoiding websites that provide purportedly “free” access to new releases.

Additionally, users are strongly encouraged to regularly update their devices and applications to benefit from the latest security patches and antivirus protections, thereby minimizing vulnerabilities to cyberattacks and potential data breaches. This diligence allows individuals to maintain an advantageous position against content piracy. Furthermore, caution is advised regarding suspicious emails, messages, or pop-ups that claim to offer free content, as these are frequently designed to compromise personal and financial information.

Should you encounter questionable websites or services offering unauthorized access to MultiChoice content, it is vital to report such activities immediately. By collaborating collectively, we can work to mitigate piracy, hold offenders accountable, and preserve the integrity of the entertainment ecosystem.

By Leonard Agufa, the Head of Operations at MultiChoice Kenya.

About Soko Directory Team

Soko Directory is a Financial and Markets digital portal that tracks brands, listed firms on the NSE, SMEs and trend setters in the markets eco-system. Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/SokoDirectory and on Twitter: twitter.com/SokoDirectory