Washington — Have you ever come across a free movie or series online and wondered if it's legit? As the saying goes, “If an offer seems too good to be true,” it probably is, especially in the realm of digital content.
Larissa Knapp, a former FBI agent with 27 years of experience, is now Executive Vice President and Director of Content Protection at the Alliance of Global Entertainment Companies (ACE), a part of the Motion Picture Association (MPA). She points out that the nature of piracy has evolved from the sale of illicit DVD copies to sophisticated online streaming of content.
The Global Challenge of Digital Piracy
With his extensive law enforcement experience, Knapp is now tackling digital piracy on a global scale. Not just limited to movies or music, piracy today includes unauthorized streaming of live events and sports matches. The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment recorded a staggering 191.8 million visits to pirated movie and TV sites globally in 2022.
“Digital piracy is a pervasive problem that requires a collective and robust response to safeguard creative industries,” Knapp shared with Voice of America. He pledges to use his expertise to lead this effort.
Piracy in Latin America
In Latin America, piracy is a major economic drain, with potential losses estimated at $733 million this year alone. For example, a simple Google search for watching movies online in Brazil returns mostly pirated sites. Similarly, in Chile, 40% of search results returned illegal content.
Knapp points out that in Latin America the most widespread piracy practices include unauthorized streaming services that monetize through advertising while offering free content, illegal IPTV subscriptions with vast libraries, and low-cost live sports streaming services.
“These illicit services often attract consumers with their low costs compared to legitimate platforms,” Knapp explains. However, he also warns of the greater risks, such as identity theft and financial fraud, that come from accessing pirated content.
Strategies to combat digital piracy
Knapp highlights the role of ACE, which comprises a global network of 100 content protection experts. These professionals work with international law enforcement bodies such as INTERPOL and EUROPOL to dismantle piracy operations and hold those responsible accountable.
From a consumer perspective, Knapp recommends sticking with legitimate streaming sources and reporting suspicious sites to ACE.
“Not only are pirated sites illegal, they are also 30 times more likely to expose users to malware and other security threats,” Knapp warns, noting the personal risks involved.
