The Philippines' Globe Telecom has vowed to step up efforts to fight video piracy following the publication of new research suggesting that 28% of Filipino consumers use an illicit streaming device.
These devices, TV boxes that can be used to stream pirated television and video content, often come pre-loaded with applications allowing plug-and-play access to pirated content.
According to the survey, conducted by market research company YouGov on behalf of the Asia Video Industry Association's (AVIA) Coalition Against Piracy, among users of ISDs nearly one in five have cancelled all or some of their subscriptions to legal pay TV services as a result of owning an ISD.
The coalition published similar research in November on video piracy in the Thai market, finding that 45% of Thai consumers are using ISDs.
According to Globe Telecom president and CEO Ernest Cu, who recently joined the AVIA board, the findings of the research have convinced the company to step up its education drive against pirated websites and streaming devices.
“We will actively collaborate with members of AVIA and CAP and other content partners to push our #PlayItRight anti-piracy campaign to ensure a wider reach,” Cu said.
Globe recently endorsed a controversial proposal currently before the Philippines Senate that would require ISPs to block access to known piracy sites or face having their operating license revoked.