In collaboration with law enforcement, MultiChoice’s anti-piracy division recently conducted a successful raid on an illegal streaming operation in Western Cape, South Africa. The raid led to the arrest of an individual accused of distributing unauthorised login credentials for accessing premium content. The accused appeared in court on September 20, facing charges under both the Copyright Act and the Cybercrimes Act of 2020, and was later granted bail.
Frikkie Jonker, broadcasting cybersecurity anti-piracy director at Irdeto, emphasised the arrest’s significance in disrupting illegal streaming networks that harm legitimate businesses and the entertainment industry. He stated, “We remain focused on identifying further targets, and we are confident that more raids will follow. Our message is clear: those engaging in illegal streaming activities will face justice.”
This recent arrest is part of MultiChoice’s increased efforts to combat the distribution of unauthorised login credentials. In a similar operation in July, in partnership with Irdeto, police detectives arrested an individual in Gauteng suspected of selling login credentials and Internet streaming devices, violating the Cybercrime Act by providing illegal access to premium content.
According to Jonker, the Cybercrimes Act prohibits unauthorised access to content, data interception, stolen data, interference with data or computer programs, computer-related fraud, unlawful acquisition or use of passwords or access codes, and possession of software or hardware enabling infringement. Violating these provisions can result in fines, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both.
Additionally, pirates can be prosecuted under the Copyright Act of 1978, which states that infringing on a right holder’s rights through unauthorised distribution, reproduction, or sale of unlicensed material can lead to a fine and a maximum prison sentence of three years.
