STUDY: Cyber threat on Pirate Sites, Filipinos at Higher Risk
Filipinos face a staggering 33-times higher risk of cyberthreats on pirate sites than legitimate platforms, a study reveals. These vulnerabilities emphasize the urgent need for legislation enabling site-blocking to protect consumers and support the local creative industry. Advocates call for swift Congressional action before the 2025 session ends to safeguard Filipinos’ digital well-being.
Filipinos are 33 times more likely to encounter cyberthreats on pirate sites compared to legitimate platforms, according to a study by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and Dr. Paul Watters of Macquarie University. The findings, presented at an anti-piracy symposium by IPOPHL, GMA Network, and Globe, underline how pirate websites expose users to significant digital dangers.
In A Fireside Chat. TV host Pia Guanio, her fellow Team Globe of Good Ambassadors Edu Manzano, Shaina Magdayao, and Kim Atienza talked about how piracy has effectively crippled the entertainment industry. [Photo courtesy: Globe Telecom | Press Release]Study shows Filipinos more vulnerable to cyberthreats in pirate sites
Dr. Watters noted that high internet and mobile data usage in the Philippines make consumers attractive targets for cybercriminals. Pirate sites offer a convenient gateway for hackers to harvest user data, creating vulnerabilities for Filipinos unaware of the risks. “Site-blocking of the most popular pirate sites is the most effective baseline option,” Watters emphasized during the symposium.
Advocates Push for Legislative Action
Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, urged Congress to update the Intellectual Property Code, enabling stronger enforcement against piracy.
“At Globe, we champion a digital world that is safe and empowering for all Filipinos. This study underscores how critical it is to pass legislation that would authorize site blocking to protect consumers, especially our youth, from the hidden dangers lurking on pirate sites,” she stated. Crisanto warned that delays could lead to missed opportunities to secure the nation’s digital future.
“We urge Congress to pass this vital piece of legislation before the end of their session to avoid further delays and safeguard the digital well-being of our nation,” she added.
Piracy’s Toll on the Creative Industry
Actors and advocates highlighted the crippling effects of piracy on the entertainment industry during the event. Edu Manzano recalled a decline in Philippine film production from 200 films annually to less than 30 due to piracy.
“It was a tough time because we could not find work for over 9,000 unemployed workers in our industry. We saw the direct effect. Sad to say people show up in the office to ask for a buck or two,” said Manzano, recalling the toll of piracy when the crime first emerged. “To this day, I have to say that the industry has not recovered.”
Shaina Magdayao added that piracy discourages investments, limiting opportunities for emerging talent. “At the end of the day, to be honest, as a worker myself, show business is a “business.” If walang ROI ang producers and investors because people are not willing to go to the cinemas anymore or pay legit streaming channels, producers won’t be investing in our talent and work anymore or even funds to train, educate and hone the talents of emerging filmmakers in the country,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of anti-piracy measures.
“Lagi ko rin niyayabang sa foreign producers whenever I attend International festivals na maganda ang Pilipinas. We have beautiful locations, beautiful people and talents… but how will we, as talents and as an industry grow and expand if no one invests? Piracy limits Filipinos from reaching global cinema na kayang-kaya naman sana natin, given the proper opportunity, help and support,” she said.
Globe’s Role in Advocating for Safer Digital Spaces
Globe, a member of the AVIA-CAP and Video Coalition of the Philippines, actively supports legislative efforts to combat online piracy. Its #PlayItRight campaign raises public awareness about content piracy’s dangers and the importance of protecting the creative industry, which contributes ₱1.6 billion to the economy annually.
ALSO READ: Online piracy in the Philippines persists, ₱1B potential revenues lost
The fight against piracy is a critical step toward safeguarding Filipino consumers and supporting the nation’s creative industry. Advocates stress the need for Congress to prioritize legislation addressing these risks before the current session ends in 2025. Cyberthreats on pirate sites pose real dangers, and swift action is essential to create safer digital spaces for all Filipinos.
Stay informed about digital safety and support initiatives like Globe’s #PlayItRight campaign. Protect your data and the creative industry—say no to piracy!
To know more, visit the #PlayItRight campaign page.
