Experts Advocate for Unified Action Against Piracy at WAVES 2025
At WAVES 2025, a significant panel discussion titled “Piracy: Safeguarding Content through Technology” convened in Mumbai, bringing together experts from media, law, and cybersecurity. The event, moderated by Neil Gane, Vice President and Head of Asia Pacific at IP House, underscored the urgent need for a unified approach to combat digital piracy, which has evolved into a mainstream threat. Industry leaders highlighted the economic implications of piracy and the necessity for innovative solutions to protect digital content.
Economic Impact of Piracy
Vivek Couto, Managing & Executive Director of Media Partners Asia, emphasized the staggering financial toll of piracy on the industry. He projected that online piracy could lead to over a 10% revenue loss from 2025 to 2029. However, he also noted that robust anti-piracy measures could result in a 25% increase in legal video service users, potentially unlocking an additional US$ 0.5 billion for content investment. This could elevate the total value of the digital video economy to US$ 3.8 billion by 2029. Couto urged stakeholders to shift the narrative surrounding piracy from one of mere protection to one of potential growth, especially as India’s digital video market continues to expand.
Cybercrime and Consumer Awareness
Dr. Shruti Mantri, Associate Director at ISB Institute of Data Science, addressed the intersection of digital piracy and cybercrime. She pointed out that piracy often involves harmful tools such as trojans, ransomware, and spyware, making younger users particularly susceptible. Dr. Mantri called for comprehensive public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to empower consumers against these threats. She announced an upcoming Digital Piracy Summit, organized by ISB in collaboration with CBI and Interpol, scheduled for July 9-10, aimed at fostering dialogue and solutions in this critical area.
Strategies for Anti-Piracy Operations
Anurag Kashyap, Head of Anti-Piracy Operations at DAZN, shared insights into the proactive strategies employed in the sports sector to combat piracy. He outlined a framework based on the three Ds: detection, disruption, and deterrence. Kashyap explained that their enforcement efforts begin even before live events occur, utilizing invisible watermarking technology to track and prevent leaks. This approach aims to safeguard content and deter potential infringers before they can act.
The Role of Legislation and Technology
Legal expert Anil Lale, Head-Legal at Jio Hotstar, stressed the necessity of strong enforcement measures against piracy. He argued that prosecuting pirates is the most effective deterrent and that law enforcement agencies must proactively identify the sources of piracy rather than reactively responding to incidents. Praveen Anand of Anand and Anand Associates echoed this sentiment, advocating for a dual approach that combines technological advancements, such as AI and blockchain, with judicial reforms. He highlighted the importance of timely legal action and preventive measures, such as using metal detectors to combat camcording.
The panel concluded with a consensus on the need for a collaborative effort among technology providers, legislative bodies, enforcement agencies, and the public to effectively combat piracy and protect the future of digital content. WAVES 2025 continues to serve as a platform for addressing critical issues facing the Media and Entertainment industry.
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