People who watch and access pirated sites and services run a higher risk of getting hacked, having their online identity stolen, or falling victim to ransomware.
In a study commissioned by the Motion Picture Association (MPA), it was revealed that Filipinos are 33 times more likely to encounter cyber threats on popular piracy sites compared to legal movie and television websites.
This was announced at the anti-piracy symposium organized by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), GMA Network, Inc., and Globe Telecom.
ACE is the leading coalition against piracy, headquartered in Washington DC, with offices in Los Angeles.
The study was authored by Paul Watters, an honorary professor of Security Studies and Criminology at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.
"As the digital landscape grows increasingly complex, the risks to consumers accessing piracy sites - especially younger consumers - have never been more urgent. Consumers today navigate an online environment fraught with hidden malware and exploitation, often without realizing the true danger they face," Watters stated.
Watters emphasized the need to protect the next generation from falling victim to cybercriminals.
According to the study, there needs to be laws thwarting these piracy and hacking sites. Increased funding for law enforcement is also necessary to boost digital forensics and respond promptly to cybercriminal attacks.
Meanwhile, the IPOPHL noted that they have a voluntary site-blocking initiative that has already shut down 20 sites with the help of the National Telecommunications Commission and internet service providers.
"Nevertheless, a law will institutionalize our site-blocking regime to create more outcomes, unlock the full potential of our creative economy and protect our consumers from the alarming cyber threats of piracy sites. IPOPHL is still hopeful to see a site-blocking law passed soon," the IPOPHL stated.
