Filipinos are significantly more vulnerable to cyber threats when accessing pirate websites, a study commissioned by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) revealed.
The research underscores the urgent need for legislation allowing site blocking in the Philippines to combat online piracy and protect consumers.
Authored by Dr. Paul Watters of Macquarie University, the study found that Filipinos are up to 33 times more likely to encounter cyber threats on popular pirate sites compared to legitimate film and TV platforms.
The findings were presented at an anti-piracy symposium organized by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), GMA Network Inc., and Globe Telecom Inc.
“High internet and mobile data usage in the Philippines makes the country an attractive target for pirates,” Watters said during a fireside chat. “Site-blocking of the most popular pirate sites is the most effective baseline option.”
Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, called on Congress to amend the Philippines’ outdated Intellectual Property Code to strengthen enforcement against content piracy, particularly by authorizing site blocking.
She emphasized the urgency, noting that progress on amending bills will be lost once the current congressional session ends before the 2025 elections.
“At Globe, we champion a digital world that is safe and empowering for all Filipinos,” Crisanto said. “This study underscores how critical it is to pass legislation that would authorize site blocking to protect consumers, especially our youth, from the hidden dangers lurking on pirate sites.”
Celebrities Rally Against Piracy
Prominent Filipino celebrities joined the call for stronger enforcement against content piracy. In a discussion moderated by TV host Pia Guanio, actors Edu Manzano, Shaina Magdayao, and Kim Atienza highlighted how piracy has crippled the entertainment industry.
Manzano, a former head of the Optical Media Board, recalled when the Philippine film industry produced over 200 films annually. “Because of piracy, this number is down to less than 30 per year, leaving many industry workers out of jobs,” he said. “To this day, the industry has not recovered.”
He stressed the need for legislation with strong penal provisions to combat piracy, noting that technological advancements make existing laws quickly obsolete. “We have to pressure like-minded members of the House of Representatives and the Senate to realize that laws become flawed soon after they pass because technology advances at an amazing pace,” Manzano added.
Magdayao pointed out that piracy discourages investment in the entertainment sector, limiting the potential of Filipino creatives. “If producers and investors see no return on investment because people aren’t willing to pay for legitimate channels, they won’t invest in our talent and work anymore,” she said.
Industry Efforts and Legislative Push
Globe Telecom, a member of the Asia Video Industry Association’s Coalition Against Piracy (AVIA-CAP) and the Video Coalition of the Philippines, actively supports legislative efforts to curb online piracy. The company’s #PlayItRight campaign raises public awareness about the dangers of content piracy and advocates for stronger protection of the country’s PHP 1.6-billion ($32 million) creative industry.
“We urge Congress to pass this vital piece of legislation before the end of their session to avoid further delays and safeguard the digital well-being of our nation,” Crisanto said.
Business News Asia
