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Thursday, November 23, 2023

CARTE BLANCHE DELVES INTO PIRACY

 

MultiChoice zones in on the dangers of piracy in the latest Carte Blanche episode

In the digital era, the global content industry is under constant siege from a relentless adversary: piracy. This challenge is particularly acute in Africa, where piracy rates have reached alarming levels. Carte Blanche, a renowned investigative journalism programme, recently delved into the world of piracy, exposing its devastating impact on the industry.

International cybercrime syndicates are proliferating, infiltrating South African homes with illicit and inexpensive TV boxes. Carte Blanche embarked on an undercover mission to purchase an illegal TV box from a reseller named Tawanda, who was later confronted about his involvement in this illicit activity.

The act of piracy attracts crime syndicates from around the world. This is another form of organised crime, and organised crime is far-reaching and interconnected. While online content piracy may not immediately strike one as a crime, it is indeed illegal and has extensive consequences. It robs content creators and the entire entertainment industry of vital revenue, stifling creativity and economic growth.

The statistics on piracy in South Africa and Africa as a whole paint a grim picture. According to the US Chamber of Commerce's Global Innovation Policy Center, digital video piracy costs the entertainment industry up to $71 billion annually, harming businesses, destroying jobs, and hindering economic development. The advent of digital streaming has further exacerbated these issues, making piracy even more accessible.

MultiChoice is clear that raising awareness of the pervasive issue of piracy and its detrimental consequences is critical.

The Carte Blanche episode serves as a powerful call to action, urging individuals to make informed choices and support legitimate content creators. By working together, we can combat piracy and ensure a thriving creative industry for generations to come.

 

Report Piracy

Piracy email address: piracy@multichoice.co.za

Piracy hotline number:  +27 11 289 2684