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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Curb scammers' profits: Advocacy group calls for swift passage of anti-online piracy bills

Curb scammers' profits: Advocacy group calls for swift passage of anti-online piracy bills

Published Apr 26, 2024 08:40 am

A citizens’ rights group reiterated its call for the Senate to expedite the passage of anti-online piracy bills.

"The inertia of delayed legislation casts a shadow upon progress, stifling the very essence of justice and societal advancement," said CitizenWatch Philippines co-convenor Tim Abejo.

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Photo from Pixabay

The group pointed out that each day of delay results in considerable tangible and intangible losses for the creative industry, while scammers profit at the expense of their victims.

Abejo highlighted in a statement that the enforcers of anti-piracy policies have already shown strong support and willingness to implement more assertive measures to tackle this problem.

“We have already lost so many years allowing these high-tech thieves, but thieves, nonetheless, get away with profiting from what isn’t theirs,” he said.

“What we have right now are just band-aid solutions that hardly address the problem, so it is high time we amend the existing law for a more comprehensive, sustainable approach to online piracy,” he added.

Senator Bong Revilla authored Senate Bill (S.B.) 2385, titled "Amending Republic Act (R.A.) No. 8293 (The Intellectual Property Code Of The Philippines)," while Senator Jinggoy Estrada's S.B. 2150, also known as the "Strengthening the Powers and Functions of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines," remained pending in the committee.

The two bills, authored by individuals with backgrounds in the local entertainment industry, aim to safeguard creative workers from the danger of online content piracy.

The passing of R.A. 8293 in 1997 established the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).

However, this law did not anticipate emerging technologies like the Internet.

The current form of the IP Code does not encompass electronic and online content within its definition of pirated goods.

In May 2023, the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 7600 by Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda, which would give greater authority to the IPOPHL

This version permits blocking websites that infringe upon the IP Code and extends its enforcement capabilities to include investigating, gathering intelligence, and devising countermeasures against piracy.

Additionally, the bill will establish the responsibilities and guidelines for internet service providers to block websites hosting pirated material.

“It’s high time the Senate acted on this urgent matter,” Abejo said.

“Not doing so sends a sad message to our talented Filipinos that the socio-cultural value of their skills and the creative industry’s potential as an economic driver is not a priority and they may be better off bringing their artistry to other countries, and many have,” he added.

Meanwhile, internet service providers (ISPs) representatives said that site-blocking bills would enhance the detection and reporting of illegal activities, capabilities crucial in the battle against piracy.

“Online scammers must be dealt with swift action which starts with enabling policies that empower effective enforcement,” said Abejo “Online pirates thrive on the slow response of regulators who are bogged down by the bureaucracy or by their lack of technological sophistication.”

The Philippine Statistics Authority data revealed that the creative industry significantly contributes to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), comprising about 7.3 percent or P1.6 trillion of the gross value added in 2022.

"The local film industry, specifically, has borne the brunt of online piracy, even as it is already struggling to compete with foreign productions and streaming platforms," CitizenWatch Philippines said.

"A 2018 report by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) revealed that online piracy caused a 47 percent decline in box office sales and a 72 percent drop in legitimate online transactions in the Philippines from 2012 to 2016," it added.

RELATED STORY:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/4/ipophl-issues-fair-use-guidelines-for-copyrighted-works 

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Intellectual Property Association of the Philippiines (IPAP)
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