Globe fights illegal streaming devices

ISDs are set-top boxes or Android TV boxes that allow consumers to stream pirated content from illegal streaming servers, therefore opening access to pirated TV channels, live sports channels and movies. #ISD #streamingdevices #Globe #PlayItRight

A study reveals that 34 percent of online consumers use an ISD to stream pirated television and video content. (JH)

Globe has collaborated with the Optical Media Board, AVIA and Coalition Against Piracy to boost its anti-piracy program, #PlayItRight, which educate the public against illicit streaming devices (ISDs).

“The use of illicit streaming devices to access pirated content on online retail channels and physical stores is proliferating at a very alarming rate,” said Globe Vice President for Content Portfolio and Partner Management Jill Go at the Anti-Media Piracy Summit held at Winford Manila on 28 October.

Go cited a new study commissioned by Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) about the content viewing behavior of Filipino consumers. The study revealed that 34 percent of consumers use an ISD to stream pirated television and video content.

The YouGov research also found that a staggering two thirds or 66 percent of online Filipino consumers have accessed streaming piracy websites or torrent sites.

#PlayItRight is an anti-online piracy awareness campaign that educates Globe customers on illegal content consumption to protect the Filipino family, the local entertainment industry, Globe network, global content partners and its content creation.

The campaign also makes consumers aware that piracy websites can be a hotbed for malware.

“The consumers–and even some distributors of ISDs–may not be aware that the device is illegal,” Go revealed.

ISDs are set-top boxes or Android TV boxes that allow consumers to stream pirated content from illegal streaming servers, therefore opening access to pirated TV channels, live sports channels and movies for the one-off price of the device and often a yearly subscription to access content. The revenue of such scheme goes to criminal syndicates.

OMB Chairman and CEO Atty. Anselmo Adriano expressed the need for collaboration between government, private sectors and cause-oriented organizations to create awareness against ISDs and pirated content.

“We need to work together to make consumers and distributors aware that ISDs are illegal under Republic Act 9239,” Adriano said.

Part of OMB’s National Piracy Month, OMB’s Anti-Media Piracy Summit focused on strengthening Intellectual Property protection using new technology.