Government urged to do more to tackle £1bn piracy problem in sport and entertainment

The UK government has been advised to take stronger measures against the £1.35 billion annual cost of illegal streaming of live sport, film, and television. This issue depletes the Exchequer of £366 million in tax and could fund 10,000 jobs in the media sector, according to a new report commissioned by the BeStreamWise coalition.

Sir John Whittingdale, the MP chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Intellectual Property, emphasized that this report serves as a wake-up call, highlighting that piracy poses a severe threat and requires immediate action. The report provides concrete evidence that piracy costs the UK economy over £1 billion annually and endangers thousands of creative industry jobs. It also exposes consumers to fraud risks, with some losing thousands of pounds.

The Price of Piracy report urges the government and the broader industry to collaborate on enforcing the law, safeguarding investments, and protecting jobs in one of Britain’s most valuable sectors. Matt Hibbert, Sky's group director of anti-piracy, stressed that illegal streaming is not a victimless crime, as it drains money from the creative economy, hinders investment in British television, film, and sport, and exposes consumers to fraud, scams, and identity theft.

Liz Bales, the chief executive of the British Association for Screen Entertainment, noted that despite two decades of working closely with the industry to combat infringement and educate consumers, this situation demands a more integrated approach due to evolving viewing habits and piracy tactics.