Singapore – A new study released by the Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), an initiative of the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), has found that consumers using pirate streaming services across the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly exposed to cybersecurity threats, identity theft, fraud and financial risks.
The report examines consumer risks associated with digital piracy channels including illicit streaming devices (ISDs), IPTV subscription services, playlist sellers, account-sharing schemes and third-party streaming applications.
According to the report, piracy services expose users to a range of risks beyond copyright infringement. Researchers found that consumers frequently encounter scams, malware, phishing attacks, identity theft and account compromise when accessing illicit streaming platforms.
Among the report’s findings, nearly half of the illicit streaming applications tested contained malware capable of harvesting personal information, compromising devices and recruiting users into cybercrime botnets. The study also found that consumers purchasing piracy services through social media platforms, messaging applications and online marketplaces face risks of advance-payment scams and service fraud.
Additional findings indicated that many illicit streaming services expose users to phishing attacks, credential theft and identity fraud. Consumers who purchase or share streaming account credentials may also face account takeovers, financial losses and exposure to stolen or compromised accounts.
The report further noted that pirate streaming websites often redirect users to malicious advertisements, malware downloads and fraudulent websites.
Professor Paul Watters, author of said report, said the research highlights how piracy services have evolved beyond copyright-related concerns.
“Many consumers believe they are simply finding a cheaper way to watch television, movies and sports content. In reality, they are often stepping into an ecosystem that exposes them to malware, identity theft, fraud and broader cybercrime. The risks are substantial and, in many cases, invisible to users until after the damage has been done,” said Watters.
Meanwhile, CAP General Manager Matthew Cheetham said the findings suggest digital piracy should also be considered a consumer protection and cybersecurity issue.
“For years, piracy has been framed primarily as a content theft problem. This research shows that it is increasingly a consumer harm problem. The same criminal networks facilitating piracy are often creating opportunities for fraud, phishing, malware distribution and identity theft.”
Cheetham added: “The message to consumers is straightforward: if a streaming service looks too good to be true, it probably is. The financial savings offered by piracy services can come at a far greater cost in terms of privacy, security and personal risk.”
The report also outlines measures that could be adopted by e-commerce platforms, payment processors, social media companies, banks, messaging services and infrastructure providers to reduce consumer harm and disrupt piracy-related activities. CAP is advocating for increased consumer awareness, stronger enforcement against piracy merchants, enhanced platform moderation and closer cooperation among industry groups, governments and cybersecurity stakeholders.
The findings were presented during CAP’s annual State of Piracy Roundtable, a forum that brings together policymakers, regulators, law enforcement agencies, technology platforms, internet service providers, cybersecurity experts and rights holders from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss emerging piracy and cybercrime threats.
