Globe teams up with celebrities to call for action against piracy and cybercrime
Globe Telecom recently took a strong stand against online piracy and cybercrime by hosting a timely event titled The Piracy-Cybercrime Nexus: Risks to Users and Challenges Disrupting the Criminal Ecosystem. This event served as a platform to raise awareness about the growing threat of online piracy, not only to the entertainment industry but also to individual consumers. By bringing together key stakeholders, including industry experts, government officials, and celebrity advocates, Globe aimed to highlight the urgent need for collaborative action to combat these digital threats.
Photos featured courtesy of Globe Telecom, Philippine Intellectual Property Office, and Kim Atienza’s official Facebook page
The event highlighted a recent study by Dr. Paul Watters of Macquarie University, which revealed the alarming risks associated with accessing pirated content. It also showcased Globe’s commitment to online safety through its #PlayItRight campaign, which advocates for site-blocking and greater protection for the Philippine creative industry.
A key highlight of the event was a fireside chat featuring prominent figures in the entertainment industry – Edu Manzano, Shaina Magdayao, and Kim Atienza – who shared their personal experiences and insights on how piracy has affected their livelihoods and the industry as a whole. Moderated by TV host Pia Guanio-Mago, this discussion emphasized the importance of stronger legislation, public awareness, and collective responsibility in safeguarding the digital space. Let’s explore the key takeaways from this engaging conversation.
Challenges of Piracy in the Digital Era
- Shift from Physical to Digital Media:
- Previously, piracy revolved around physical CDs and large replicating machines capable of producing millions of copies daily.
- Today, piracy has evolved to USBs, flash disks, and digital downloads, making it accessible to anyone with a device.
- Technological and Legal Gaps:
- Rapid technological advancements outpaced laws, leaving enforcement agencies struggling to adapt.
- Efforts to amend laws were often delayed or insufficient.
- Innovative Enforcement:
- Collaborations with international organizations like the Motion Picture Association of America led to creative solutions such as using polycarbonate-sniffing dogs to detect replicating machines.
- Special courts were established to handle media piracy cases swiftly.
Impact on the Entertainment Industry
- Quality and Perception:
- Pirated content is often of poor quality, degrading the viewing experience.
- Increased access to free illegal streaming further erodes the value of professionally-produced content.
- Financial Losses:
- In 2022, piracy resulted in a loss of PHP 781 million in revenue, and box office sales declined by 47% in 2018.
- Legal streaming platforms struggle due to competition with free illegal sites, which generate income through ads for illegal activities and malware.
- Ripple Effect on Workers:
- Piracy leads to reduced investments in the film and TV industries, causing layoffs and underfunding for emerging talent and projects.
- For lesser-known members of the industry, such as crew and technicians, piracy directly threatens their livelihoods.
Social and Economic Consequences
- Wider Impact:
- The industry’s decline affects not only creators but also related sectors, from distribution to training programs.
- Efforts were made to support affected workers, including providing social security, scholarships, and housing.
- Changing Viewing Habits:
- Many Filipinos now prefer illegal streaming over traditional free TV, further straining the industry’s ability to sustain itself.
- Consumers often unknowingly contribute to the industry’s decline by choosing pirated content.
Call to Action
- Sustainability of the Industry:
- Without sufficient returns on investments, producers and investors are hesitant to support new projects, limiting Filipino talent’s ability to reach global audiences.
- Stakeholders emphasized the need for stronger enforcement, better consumer awareness, and sustainable support for the industry.
This discussion highlighted the urgent need to address piracy to ensure the survival and growth of the entertainment industry.
To learn more about Globe’s #PlayItRight campaign, visit their official page.
