Content

UK research links piracy with global criminal organisations

by Colin Mann, Advanced Television

A new report from The Royal United Services Institute – the UK’s leading

defence and security think tank – has been commended by consumer body The

Industry Trust for IP Awareness for highlighting the need for government and

industry to work together to reduce consumer demand for pirate content by

raising awareness about the cyber security risks associated with illegal

content sites.

Liz Bales, CEO at The Industry Trust notes that “With pirate content

distribution models more sophisticated than ever, this week’s RUSI report

has revealed how online piracy of TV, film and live sports content generates

hundreds of millions of pounds every year for technically-savvy and

well-coordinated organised crime groups, as well as individual offenders.

Tackling this issue is inevitably complex, and as detailed by RUSI, requires

a coordinated dual-approach involving law enforcement, regulators, financial

institutions and the private sector as well as reducing consumer demand.”

The Industry Trust points out that 31 per cent of consumers accessing

pirated content also report exposure to inappropriate content as a result of

their activity, including offensive pop-ups, adverts and age-inappropriate

content.