Technical - What is Piracy

Piracy refers to the unauthorised duplication of content that is then sold at substantially lower prices in the ‘grey’ market. The ease of access to technology has meant that over the years, piracy has become more rampant. For example, CD Writers are available off the shelf at very low prices making music piracy a simple affair.

How can piracy be prevented?
Internationally, the laws for punishing piracy in developed countries are stringent and punitive in nature. In Asian countries and more in India too, it does not get the attention at the national level due to more engaging issues at hand. However, the industry especially the IT and music industry has been taking active interest in stemming the rot. These organisations identify sources of music piracy and then conduct raids with the help of the police. However, convictions are few and the penalties not harsh enough to act as a deterrent.

What is video piracy?
Video piracy takes place when a film is produced in the form of a videocassette without proper authorisation from the right holder i.e. the producer. Often, film producers sell video rights to another party (generally after six weeks or more of release in theatres), which makes videocassettes for selling, or lending. The videocassettes on sale are meant for home viewing only.

What is cable piracy?
This refers to unauthorised transmission of films through cable network. Very often, films, especially the new releases, are shown through cable without permission from the rights holder. Piracy is a rare phenomenon in satellite channels because these are organised and generally do not show films without buying proper rights.

What is music piracy?
This refers to the unauthorised replication of music casettes that flood the market as soon as the launch of a new release. Music companies’ revenues hit hard by the deluge of pirated compact discs and casettes, as these are available at substantially lower prices compared to that at stores.

What is DVD/VCD piracy?
This form of piracy of Indian films happens in the international markets. The prints sent for overseas screening of the film are pirated, typically at any of the Middle East country airports. DVD/VCD prints are prepared and are sent to Pakistan. From Pakistan, these prints may even travel to Nepal and enter the country by land.

Content Courtesy - Television point.