How to Protect Video from Piracy

In the age of the internet, video piracy has become a widespread issue. But fear not!

There are ways to shield your videos from piracy.

Let’s dive in to learn how to protect video from piracy.

What is Video Piracy?

Video piracy is the unauthorised copying, sharing, or distribution of video content without permission of the content creator or copyright holder.

For instance, imagine someone purchasing a movie DVD, copying its content, and then uploading it to a website for others to download freely.

This act deprives the filmmakers of their rightful earnings and violates copyright laws.

Such unauthorised sharing and distribution, whether done online or offline, constitute video piracy.

How Does Video Piracy Occur?

Video piracy occurs through various methods, leveraging both technology and the internet.

Here’s a breakdown of how such digital piracy happens:

1. Downloading and Uploading: Pirates download a piece of content from legitimate sources or other pirated platforms and then upload it to different websites or platforms, facilitating illegal content access.
2. Ripping: This involves extracting content from DVDs or Blu-rays. Using software, pirates copy the digital content and then distribute it online.
3. Screen Recording: With the rise of streaming videos, some pirates employ screen recording tools to capture content in real time, leading to illegal copying. Once recorded, they distribute the captured content.
4. File Sharing: Using peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, pirates can share large video files with others. Torrenting is a popular method where users download and share bits of files simultaneously.
5. Decryption: Some content pirates have tools to decrypt encrypted video files, making them accessible without the original platform’s restrictions.
6. Physical Copying: In certain areas, the act of distributing content from pirating through copied DVDs or USB drives is prevalent. These illegal copies are sold at a fraction of the original’s price.
7. Live Streaming: Some pirates live-stream copyrighted content on platforms, allowing users to watch events or shows without official access.

These methods, among others, facilitate the widespread occurrence of video piracy, posing challenges for content creators and entertainment industries.

Why Protecting Your Videos is Crucial?

Protecting your videos is paramount for several reasons:

1. Intellectual Property Rights: Videos are a form of intellectual property. When you create a video, you inherently possess rights over that content. Protecting your videos ensures that these rights are not violated.
2. Financial Implications: For many, videos are a source of income. Whether it’s through ad revenue, subscription fees, or direct sales, piracy can significantly diminish potential earnings. Every pirated copy represents a lost sale or view.
3. Reputation and Brand Image: Unauthorised distribution can lead to misrepresentation. Your videos might be edited, misused, or presented in a context that could harm your reputation or brand image.
4. Quality Control: Pirated videos often suffer from degraded quality. When viewers encounter a low-quality version of your content, they might mistakenly attribute that poor quality to you, not realising they’re watching a pirated copy.
5. Exclusivity and Value: If you’re offering exclusive content to subscribers or premium users, piracy undermines this exclusivity. When premium content is freely available, it can devalue your work in the eyes of potential customers.
6. Moral Rights: Beyond financial concerns, creators have the moral right to be recognised as the author of their work and to object to any distortion or mutilation of it.
7. Future Productions: Revenue generated from videos often funds future projects. Piracy can jeopardise the financial viability of upcoming productions, stifling creativity and growth.
8. Legal Consequences: Distributing content without proper licenses or permissions can lead to legal disputes. Protecting your videos can prevent such complications and potential legal fees.

The Impact of Piracy on India’s Flourishing Entertainment Industry

India stands as the globe’s premier film producer, with its movie industry witnessing exponential growth.

Yet, the shadow of piracy has loomed over the entertainment and music industry for years.

It’s startlingly easy to find unauthorised digital copies of movies and TV shows online, often even before their official release.

Annually, digital piracy siphons off an estimated USD 2.8 billion from India’s entertainment revenue.

As the nation sees a surge in digital adoption, the instances of piracy are escalating at an alarming rate. This not only affects the economy but also stifles innovation at a pivotal moment in India’s evolution.

The 2022 U.S. Chamber International IP Index underscores the role of a robust IP system in spurring creators and innovators to venture into uncharted territories and foster change.

However, India’s persistent struggle with high piracy rates places it at 43rd among 55 nations in the International IP Index for 2022.

How To Stop Video Piracy?

Video piracy is a rampant issue in the digital age.

However, with the right strategies and tools, you can significantly reduce the chances of your content being pirated. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to stop video piracy:

Block Credential Sharing

One of the common ways pirates access premium content is by sharing login credentials.

By blocking this, you can ensure only authorised users view your content.

For CMS like WordPress Websites:

• Plugins: Use plugins like “Limit Login Attempts” or “WP Bouncer” to restrict the number of devices that can log in using the same credentials.
• Session Control: Implement session controls to ensure that only one session is active at a time for a single user.

For Non-WordPress Websites:

• IP Tracking: Track the IP addresses of logged-in users. If multiple IPs are detected for a single user in a short time, it’s a sign of credential sharing.
• Timeouts: Implement automatic timeouts after a period of inactivity to prevent prolonged access from shared credentials.

Restrict Video Playback

Limit playback to specific devices or IP addresses.

By doing so, even if someone has the video link, they won’t be able to play it unless they’re on an authorised device or network.

Using SSO for Login

Single Sign-On (SSO) allows users to log in once to provide access to multiple applications and platforms.

It not only enhances user experience but also adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for pirates to access content without proper authorisation.

Domain Restrictions

Limit where your video can be embedded. By setting domain restrictions, you ensure that your video can only be played on specified websites or platforms.

Using Video Encryption

Encrypting your videos means they’re coded in such a way that only authorised users can decode and view them. This method ensures that even if pirates download the video, they won’t be able to view it without the decryption key.

Using DRM Encryption Technology

Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a more advanced form of encryption.

It controls how a video is used, viewed, copied, and modified. Major platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime use DRM to protect their content.

Using Watermarking

Embed a visible or invisible unique mark on your video. This watermark can deter pirates since it can be traced back to the source of the leak.

Even if they try to distribute the video, the watermark will show that it’s a pirated copy.

Choosing A Secure Video Hosting Service

Opt for hosting services that prioritise security. Such platforms robust protection against piracy, including encryption, watermarking, and domain restrictions.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of video piracy and ensure that your content remains in safe hands.

Using Anti-Piracy Services

There are companies, like Bytescare, dedicated to fighting video piracy.

They monitor the web for unauthorised copies, send takedown notices, and even take legal action on your behalf. Think of them as your personal pirate-hunting crew.

The Growing Threat of Digital Piracy in the Streaming Era

The rise of digital piracy, especially through social media and communication platforms, is a growing concern for creators in the over-the-top content realm.

This issue extends its tentacles into various creative sectors, encompassing music, gaming, and sports.

Current data reveals that streaming constitutes a staggering 80% of all pirated content.

In 2021, India clinched the third spot worldwide in terms of visits to unauthorised video streaming sites.

The pandemic further fueled the demand for pirated content, with film piracy witnessing a 62% surge as people remained largely homebound.

Several factors contribute to the escalating digital piracy landscape.

The allure of accessing content at a minimal or zero cost is undeniably tempting for many. Advancements in technology have democratised access to pirated content, especially for those in regions with content restrictions.

The undermining of original content consumption can be attributed to practices like sharing passwords, transmitting digital files online, and procuring illicit streaming devices and services.

While these might seem cost-effective to the end-user, they result in substantial revenue deficits and tarnish the reputation of genuine content creators.

How Bytescare Shields Videos from Piracy Threats?

Bytescare’s digital piracy monitoring service offers a formidable barrier against digital piracy, specially tailored for the world of visual content.

Harnessing advanced technology, we diligently scan a vast spectrum of online platforms to detect any unauthorised distributions.

By keeping a pulse on evolving piracy trends, Bytescare guarantees the protection of creative works, allowing filmmakers and distributors to focus on producing exceptional content, free from the looming threat of violations.

Fortify your stand against piracy with Bytescare’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding content. Reach out for a demo or get in touch today to bolster your content’s defense.

Conclusion

The video industry, encompassing both the film and broader content sectors, is at a pivotal juncture.

With the rise of digital technologies, the threat of copyright infringement has never been more pronounced.

However, valuable knowledge and the implementation of robust anti-piracy measures can shield content from piracy.

It’s imperative for creators to harness anti-piracy solutions, ensuring their legal rights are upheld. Search engines play a role in this battle, aiding in detecting actions of infringement.

As the film industry continues to evolve, legal protections fortified by digital tools will be paramount in safeguarding its future.

FAQs

Reference: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/digital-piracy-jeopardises-indias-flourishing-creative-economy/