Pirate websites expose Filipinos to cyberthreats

CEBU, Philippines — The proliferation of pirate websites significantly increased Filipinos’ exposure to cyberattacks, prompting calls for stronger anti-piracy laws and improved consumer protection.

A recent study commissioned by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and Dr. Paul Watters of Macquarie University revealed that users in the Philippines are up to 33 times more likely to face cyber threats on pirate platforms than legitimate content providers.

The findings, unveiled during an anti-piracy symposium organized by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), GMA Network, and Globe Telecom, underscored the dangers posed by pirate sites. These platforms are avenues for illegal content distribution and prime targets for cybercriminals aiming to harvest user data.

Dr. Watters emphasized the Philippines’ high internet and mobile data usage as a contributing factor, making its online population attractive to cybercriminals.

“Pirate sites provide criminals easier access to customer data than traditional hacking methods,” he said.

He called for site-blocking measures as a baseline solution to mitigate these risks and safeguard users.

Legislative Push to Update Intellectual Property Laws

During the symposium, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, Yoly Crisanto, echoed the call for legislative reforms, urging Congress to amend the country’s outdated Intellectual Property Code.

She stressed that empowering authorities with the ability to block notorious pirate sites is critical for consumer protection.

“At Globe, we are committed to fostering a digital space that is safe and empowering for all Filipinos,” Crisanto said adding that the study reinforces the necessity of site-blocking legislation to protect users, especially the youth, from the hidden perils of piracy.

With Congress nearing the end of its current session, Crisanto urged lawmakers to act swiftly to prevent delays that could hinder the protection of both consumers and the creative industry.

Prominent celebrities joined the movement, voicing their concerns about the crippling effects of piracy on the entertainment industry.

During a fireside chat moderated by Pia Guanio, Team Globe of Good Ambassadors Edu Manzano, Shaina Magdayao, and Kim Atienza shared their perspectives on the issue.

Manzano, a veteran actor and former head of the Optical Media Board, highlighted the sharp decline in local film production due to piracy, from over 200 films annually to fewer than 30.

“Piracy has left thousands of industry workers unemployed and has stunted the growth of Philippine cinema,” he said, urging Congress to pass legislation with stronger penalties against piracy.

Magdayao echoed these sentiments, stressing that piracy deters investment in the industry.

“Show business is a business. If there’s no return on investment, producers won’t fund projects, leaving talents and emerging filmmakers without opportunities,” Magdayao explained.

As a longstanding advocate for digital safety, Globe continues to champion legislative initiatives against online piracy. The company supports amendments to the Intellectual Property Code, particularly provisions for site-blocking, to protect the estimated ? 1.6 billion creative industry.

Through its #PlayItRight campaign, Globe raises awareness about the consequences of piracy and promotes responsible digital behavior.

The telecom giant remains committed to ensuring a sustainable future for both content creators and consumers in the Philippines.

By addressing content piracy and the associated cyber risks, stakeholders aim to create a secure digital environment and revitalize the creative industry’s potential to thrive on both local and global stages. — (FREEMAN)