Internet providers block 99 more illegal streaming sites

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Internet providers block 99 more illegal streaming sites

SINGAPORE: Internet service providers in Singapore have blocked 99 more domains associated with 30 illegal streaming sites that provided pirated content, including premium sports and dramas.

The Asia Video Industry Association s Coalition Against Piracy CAP has blocked 99 domains associated with illegal streaming sites and almost 150 associated domains in February after an injunction granted by the High Court of Singapore.

The block was made on behalf of CAP members, BBC Studios, Discovery Communications, LaLiga, the Premier League and TVB International.

The block negates efforts by the illegal sites to circumvent the original order by blocking associated domains that the sites would redirect to, said CAP. This continues its campaign in Singapore against online piracy.

In an order provided by CAP, domains related to several illegal online stream sites such as SportsBay, WatchSeries, DramaCool and 123 Movies were blocked.

Some of the blocked domain names included :

A domain name, kissasian.fan, linked to the site KissAsian was also blocked.

Sportsbay.org was not accessible when accessed by CNA. The access to the website was blocked because of an order of the High Court of Singapore, according to a notice on the site. CAP's General Manager Matthew Cheetham said that this latest block shows the impact of an efficient site blocking regime in combatting illegal streaming sites. According to a study on Singapore's online content viewing behaviour, site blocking changes consumer behaviour, site blocking changes, said CAP. The study was commissioned by the coalition and conducted by YouGov.

More than one-third of Singaporean consumers reported that they are spending more time watching free streaming services because of piracy streaming services being blocked by the government. More than 20 per cent said they have subscribed to legitimate services because of site blocking.

When used efficiently and effectively, tools like site blocking are very powerful in combatting online piracy and countering the damage and harm it causes, said Mr Cheetham.

In a March statement, CAP said that the order was obtained by members of BBC Studios, Discovery Communications, LaLiga, the Premier League, and TVB International against illegal streaming sites that were offering access to premium sports and drama.

The order covered the largest number of sites and domains that CAP members are looking for. It said Internet service providers must not allow access to these illegal sites and their associated domains under the order.

Site blocking is only one part of the coalition's strategy to combat online piracy in Singapore and around the region, it added.

In addition to blocking, it is important that all players in the content ecosystem work together to fight online piracy, said Mr Cheetham.

We are pleased to see that industry players, governments, and intermediaries are aware that piracy is incredibly damaging to industry and economies, and very harmful to consumers.