Analysis of recent industry reporting has shown that pirate streaming services like 123Movies and Fmovies steal revenue from local streamers and broadcasters in Africa, significantly impacting the creative industry across the continent.
The illegal distribution of licensed content by these platforms poses a significant threat to the sustainability of content creators and rights holders, apart from direct revenue losses for businesses. This issue extends beyond Africa and presents a global challenge, with pirate services often offering content from international pay-TV broadcasters.
In Africa, Partners Against Piracy (PAP) have adopted a multifaceted approach to combating illegal streaming, including technological measures, collaboration with law enforcement agencies, and legal action against infringing entities.
“The illegal distribution of content through pirate streaming services like Fmovies and unauthorised IPTV platforms poses substantial challenges for the industry as a whole,” said PAP.
“This form of piracy not only results in direct revenue losses for businesses but also undermines the integrity of our content distribution models.”
“These practices have a broader impact on the creative industry by siphoning off revenues vital for the sustenance and growth of content creators and rights holders,” it added.
“The formation of Partners Against Piracy underscores our commitment to collaborative efforts within the industry. However, the dynamic nature of digital piracy poses difficulties in keeping pace with unauthorised services.
“We continuously invest in advanced technologies and collaborate with industry partners under the Partners Against Piracy banner to enhance our anti-piracy efforts.”
