India’s Video Sector may Lose $2.4-bn due to Piracy by 2029: Study
The Indian video sector is facing a significant threat from digital piracy, which could result in a revenue loss of $2.4 billion and a decline of 158 million users by 2029, according to a recent study. The study highlights the urgent need for the government and stakeholders to take effective measures to control piracy and protect the interests of the video industry.
The study, which was conducted by a leading market research firm, found that around 90 million users in India accessed pirated videos in 2024, resulting in a revenue loss of $1.2 billion. This is a staggering figure, and it underscores the need for immediate action to address the issue of piracy.
The video sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in India, with a significant contribution to the country’s GDP. The sector has created thousands of jobs and has the potential to generate even more employment opportunities in the future. However, the threat of piracy could undermine the growth of the sector and have a negative impact on the economy.
The study found that the majority of users who accessed pirated videos were between the ages of 18 and 34, and they were more likely to be male than female. The most popular platforms for accessing pirated content were social media, messaging apps, and online streaming services.
The study’s findings are a wake-up call for the government and stakeholders in the video industry. It is essential that they take immediate action to control piracy and protect the interests of the industry. Some of the measures that can be taken include:
- Strengthening copyright laws: The government needs to strengthen copyright laws and ensure that they are enforced effectively. This can be achieved by increasing the penalties for copyright infringement and providing adequate compensation to content creators.
- Improving infrastructure: The government needs to improve the infrastructure for online content delivery, including the speed and reliability of internet connectivity. This can be achieved by investing in the development of high-speed internet networks and ensuring that they are accessible to all segments of society.
- Promoting digital literacy: The government needs to promote digital literacy, especially among young people, to educate them about the dangers of piracy and the importance of accessing content through legitimate channels. This can be achieved by incorporating digital literacy into the school curriculum and providing training programs for adults.
- Encouraging cooperation: The government needs to encourage cooperation between content creators, online platforms, and law enforcement agencies to combat piracy. This can be achieved by establishing a task force to tackle piracy and providing incentives for companies that take steps to prevent piracy.
The study’s findings also highlight the potential benefits of controlling piracy. For example, it found that controlling piracy could generate 47,000 new jobs in the video sector. This is a significant number, and it underscores the importance of taking action to protect the sector.
In conclusion, the study’s findings are a wake-up call for the government and stakeholders in the video industry. It is essential that they take immediate action to control piracy and protect the interests of the industry. By strengthening copyright laws, improving infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and encouraging cooperation, we can ensure that the video sector continues to grow and thrive in the future.
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