Programmes like House of Cards are exclusive to Netflix and beat online pirates at their own game. Photo: Nathaniel E Bell / AP
Programmes like House of Cards are exclusive to Netflix and beat online pirates at their own game. Photo: Nathaniel E Bell / AP

Taking on the high tech pirates



Downloading movies, television series and music via illegal bittorrent sites might seem like the classic victimless crime, but it is wreaking havoc on the entertainment industry nonetheless. This is not a new problem but what’s new is the technological advances that are throwing up platforms and strategies that could help content-creators take back the industry.

It’s worth noting that most internet users say they are drawn to illegal file-sharing websites because of the diversity of content on offer, not because they want to avoid paying. This means that to defeat online piracy, content producers need to create platforms they can monetise and can deliver potentially limitless content that can be shared or swapped – at least for a limited period or among a set number of people. In other words, the content producers need to be more like the platforms that offer pirated products than like the stodgy bricks and mortar vendors of yore.

It is a tall order but not an impossible one because the technology is already in place. Streaming video and audio platforms such as Netflix and Spotify have done much of the heavy lifting and consequently enjoy deep market penetration.

Their standard operating procedure appears pretty nimble, relatively low-cost, simple and shareable. Pesky regulatory procedures aside, these relatively viable platforms seem to show the way forward, offering a real solution to the problem of virtual piracy. This would go beyond the sometimes toe-curling attempts to persuade consumers to be more moral and put something into the virtual honesty box.

As The National reported yesterday, experts have called on broadcasters and regulators during the International Broadcasters Convention to educate people in our region about the ill-effects on the entertainment industry of illegally streaming content. Awareness is a good first step. The availability of viable alternatives should swiftly follow. The problem of online piracy will be defeated when the industry starts to think a little bit more like the pirates.

Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5