As we always say, piracy is a very powerful force and it is next to impossible to ignore its impact. OTT platforms are losing a big chunk just because they are unable to fight against the brutalities of OTT piracy.
Despite spending huge amounts on anti-piracy measures, streaming services in India are still losing up to 25% of their annual revenue due to illegal content leaks. Industry leaders say that premium content often gets leaked within an hour of release, making it tough to control piracy.
A recent report by EY and IAMAI revealed that India’s entertainment industry suffered a ₹22,400 crore loss in 2023 due to piracy. Of this, ₹8,700 crore was lost by OTT platforms alone. Shockingly, 51% of consumers admitted to watching pirated content, meaning half of the industry’s revenue is vanishing.
Streaming platforms are trying hard to protect their content. They partner with cybersecurity agencies, spending anywhere between ₹30 lakh to ₹5 crore to secure their movies and shows. These agencies use advanced tools to track and remove pirated content. However, the problem persists because many illegal platforms refuse to take action against users who upload or share stolen content.
Piracy not only affects businesses but also impacts jobs and creative work. When platforms lose revenue, they have less to invest in new content, affecting filmmakers, actors, and production teams.
While companies are fighting piracy with stronger security, experts believe that stricter laws and awareness among viewers are also necessary. If people choose legal options, the industry will thrive, and creators will get their due credit.