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We saw in the first part of our article that technology and public education are not necessarily very effective in curbing piracy. After a slight drop in the mid-2010s when Netflix became popular, piracy figures have remained stable or even increased. Solutions do exist, but they remain imperfect.
Piracy is a global problem that requires a coordinated response from different countries. International treaties such as the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) and cooperative efforts with entities such as Europol have attempted to harmonize laws and enforcement efforts against piracy on a global scale, but this international framework is still evolving and highly imperfect.
Hollywood is also working with technology companies and ISPs to identify and block pirated content. Detection algorithms and takedown notification systems are key tools in this fight. Platforms such as YouTube use sophisticated systems to detect and remove copyrighted content. For example, YouTube has developed the Content ID system, which allows rights holders to track and manage their content on the platform, but this system has its limitations, and the majority of takedowns require action by rights holders.
One of Hollywood’s main strategies in the fight against piracy has been legal repression. Lawsuits against piracy sites and individuals responsible for distributing illegal content have been numerous. Notable examples include the prosecution of The Pirate Bay and Megaupload, two of the largest illegal file-sharing sites.
However, these legal actions have their limits. Shutting down a piracy site doesn’t necessarily prevent users from finding other sources of illegal content. What’s more, the owners of these sites are often located in jurisdictions where it is difficult to effectively prosecute them. As a result, piracy continues to flourish despite high-profile convictions and site shutdowns.
At the same time, the Motion Picture Association is working to create more binding legal mechanisms. In 2011, the U.S. Congress attempted to impose access restrictions on sites identified as hosting pirated content, but the proposed Stop Online Piracy Act was defeated. In April 2024, the MPA announced that it would again put pressure on Congress to bring a restrictive bill back to the table, specifically seeking to expand and facilitate court blocking orders.
To counter piracy, Hollywood has explored new business models. Subscription-based streaming platforms such as Netflix and Disney+ offer legal access to a vast library of content for a fixed monthly fee. These services have succeeded in attracting millions of subscribers, but the multiplication of platforms and the cost of accumulating subscriptions make piracy attractive.
Studios are also experimenting with simultaneous releases in cinemas and on streaming sites. This approach allows consumers to choose how and where they want to watch films, reducing the delay between theatrical release and digital availability, a period often exploited by pirates. However, this is not possible in all countries, as national laws sometimes prohibit such a practice.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the film industry and the fight against piracy. With cinemas closed and many film releases delayed, consumers turned to streaming platforms for their entertainment. This transition has intensified the pressure on Hollywood to secure its online content and offer attractive legal alternatives.
Studios have accelerated the release of films on streaming platforms and adopted hybrid release models, where films are available both in theaters and online on the same day. This strategy aims to counter piracy by offering immediate, high-quality availability to consumers, thus reducing the need to search for illegal copies. But the legal limitation of some countries don’t allow right holders to do what they want either.
The battle against digital piracy is far from over. Every day, new technologies and piracy methods emerge, forcing Hollywood to constantly innovate and adapt. For the time being, a posteriori methods, i.e. regular searches for pirated versions and rapid removal of incriminating links, remain the best solution for protecting your intellectual property.
A specialized company with the right staff and the right tools will be able to help you effectively. If you have a film, series, software or e-book to protect, don’t hesitate to call on our services by contacting one of our account managers; PDN has been a pioneer in cybersecurity and anti-piracy for over ten years, and we’re bound to have a solution to help you. Enjoy your reading, and see you soon for a new article in July!
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