Piracy a growing threat in African creatives, experts warn
Protecting Africa’s storytellers
A recent panel discussion aimed to raise awareness about the illegal distribution of licensed content through pirate streaming services that threaten the livelihoods of local content creators.
MultiChoice Namibia, in collaboration with The Brief publication, hosted a discussion around piracy and its negative impacts for both consumers and other stakeholders.
Held under the theme 'Setting Africa’s Creativity Free', the event highlights included an insightful presentation by Frikkie Jonker, Irdeto Broadcasting and Cybersecurity's anti-piracy director, who discussed various forms of piracy and possible solutions to combat piracy.
“As Africa’s most-loved storyteller, MultiChoice Namibia’s vision is to raise awareness about the illegal distribution of licensed content through pirate streaming services that threaten the livelihoods of local content creators. In other words – piracy,” said Roger Gertze, MultiChoice Namibia managing director, during the opening remarks.
“As a business, we have an obligation to honour the viewing rights of our customers; therefore, we encourage you to join our stance against piracy because by collaborating with each other, we can achieve anything.”
Big battle
Jonker, who joined the conversation virtually, shared details on cable piracy, broadcast piracy and other forms that have affected creatives and businesses on a global scale.
“Piracy is one of the biggest fights we are dealing with on the African continent, including in Namibia. When you access questionable websites and/or links, people don’t realise that they are exposing themselves and their families to international crime syndicates,” Jonker said. “Piracy has become an alternative way of generating revenue apart from child smuggling, etc.”
According to Jonker, solutions include international cooperation, innovation and adaptability.
Work together
Onesmus Joseph, manager of intellectual property enforcement and framework at the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (Bipa), explained that legal frameworks to fight piracy are currently in development. “Broadcast and internet piracy robs creators and artists of what really belongs to them as a profession. In response to this, our office has made significant strides as far as piracy is concerned. In 2019, for example, we relooked the law as we cannot fight piracy without an updated one.”
In her closing remarks, Vanessa Wermann, head of sales at The Brief, encouraged more partnerships among the private and public sectors with regards to piracy. “Let us continue to implement, educate, monitor and seek legal protection,” concluded Wermann.
“I look forward to more enriching conversations and endeavours.”
The public is encouraged to report any piracy to [email protected] or [email protected] or, alternatively, use the international hotline 27112892684.
Held under the theme 'Setting Africa’s Creativity Free', the event highlights included an insightful presentation by Frikkie Jonker, Irdeto Broadcasting and Cybersecurity's anti-piracy director, who discussed various forms of piracy and possible solutions to combat piracy.
“As Africa’s most-loved storyteller, MultiChoice Namibia’s vision is to raise awareness about the illegal distribution of licensed content through pirate streaming services that threaten the livelihoods of local content creators. In other words – piracy,” said Roger Gertze, MultiChoice Namibia managing director, during the opening remarks.
“As a business, we have an obligation to honour the viewing rights of our customers; therefore, we encourage you to join our stance against piracy because by collaborating with each other, we can achieve anything.”
Big battle
Jonker, who joined the conversation virtually, shared details on cable piracy, broadcast piracy and other forms that have affected creatives and businesses on a global scale.
“Piracy is one of the biggest fights we are dealing with on the African continent, including in Namibia. When you access questionable websites and/or links, people don’t realise that they are exposing themselves and their families to international crime syndicates,” Jonker said. “Piracy has become an alternative way of generating revenue apart from child smuggling, etc.”
According to Jonker, solutions include international cooperation, innovation and adaptability.
Work together
Onesmus Joseph, manager of intellectual property enforcement and framework at the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (Bipa), explained that legal frameworks to fight piracy are currently in development. “Broadcast and internet piracy robs creators and artists of what really belongs to them as a profession. In response to this, our office has made significant strides as far as piracy is concerned. In 2019, for example, we relooked the law as we cannot fight piracy without an updated one.”
In her closing remarks, Vanessa Wermann, head of sales at The Brief, encouraged more partnerships among the private and public sectors with regards to piracy. “Let us continue to implement, educate, monitor and seek legal protection,” concluded Wermann.
“I look forward to more enriching conversations and endeavours.”
The public is encouraged to report any piracy to [email protected] or [email protected] or, alternatively, use the international hotline 27112892684.
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