Streaming giant Netflix and DStv owner MultiChoice have taken different approaches to fighting streaming piracy. While Netflix has focused on cracking down on password sharing and securing global rights for its content, MultiChoice has been actively pursuing illegal streaming services, leading to several arrests of individuals allegedly involved in illegal streaming activities.
Netflix has seen a decrease in piracy in countries where it has operated the longest, attributing this to its efforts to release original content simultaneously across regions. The company believes that providing easy access to content at a fair price reduces the incentive for piracy.
On the other hand, MultiChoice has faced significant challenges with piracy of its DStv channels, particularly in South Africa. According to Frikkie Jonker, the director of broadcast cybersecurity and anti-piracy at Irdeto, circumventing cybersecurity measures to pirate content is relatively easy, especially in Africa, where there are weak barriers to entry.
Jonker emphasized the need for a change in attitude towards content piracy, calling for an industry-wide campaign to address the issue collectively. Irdeto, which handles MultiChoice’s anti-piracy interests, can track and prosecute content pirates rapidly and at scale.
MultiChoice has recently announced several arrests related to illegal streaming activities, including the arrest of individuals involved in providing illegal Internet streaming devices and selling login credentials for pirate streaming. The company has indicated that more raids and arrests are on the horizon as part of its intensified efforts to combat streaming piracy.
