Connected media – Associated media
Washington — Have you ever stumbled upon a free movie or series online and questioned its legality? According to the adage “If an offer seems too good to be true,” it likely is, especially in the realm of digital content.
Larissa Knapp, former FBI agent with 27 years of experience, now serves as the Executive Vice President and Director of Content Protection at the Alliance of Global Entertainment Companies (ACE), a part of the Motion Picture Association (MPA). She emphasizes that the nature of piracy has evolved from selling illicit DVD copies to sophisticated online streaming of content.
Global Challenge of Digital Piracy
Drawing from her extensive background in law enforcement, Knapp is now tackling digital piracy on a global scale. Not limited to just movies or music, piracy today includes unauthorized streaming of live events and sporting matches. The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment noted a staggering 191.8 million visits to pirated film and television sites globally in 2022.
“Digital piracy is a pervasive issue that demands a collective and robust response to safeguard the creative industries,” Knapp shared with Voice of America. She is committed to leveraging her expertise to spearhead this initiative.
Piracy in Latin America
In Latin America, piracy is a significant economic drain, with potential losses estimated at $733 million this year alone. For instance, a simple Google search for online movie viewing in Brazil predominantly returns pirated sites. Similarly, in Chile, 40% of search results yielded illegal content.
Knapp points out that in Latin America, common piracy practices include unauthorized streaming services that monetize through ads while offering free content, illegal IPTV subscriptions with extensive libraries, and low-cost live sports streaming services.
“These illicit services often lure consumers with their low costs compared to legitimate platforms,” explains Knapp. However, she also warns of the greater risks, such as identity theft and financial fraud, that come with accessing pirated content.
Strategies to Combat Digital Piracy
Knapp highlights the role of ACE, which comprises a global network of 100 content protection experts. These professionals collaborate with international law enforcement bodies like INTERPOL and EUROPOL to dismantle piracy operations and hold perpetrators accountable.
From a consumer standpoint, Knapp advises opting for legitimate streaming sources and reporting suspicious sites to ACE.
“Pirated sites are not only illegal but are also 30 times more likely to expose users to malware and other security threats,” Knapp cautions, stressing the personal risks involved.
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