The Asia Video Industry Association’s quarterly Pulse report described how malware attacks enabled by piracy use-cases can have extended effects. For example, streaming boxes (aka illicit streaming devices or ISDs) supplied by piracy operations can be remotely hijacked, which puts users at risk of identity theft, ransomware, and espionage.
A study commissioned by AVIA and released in May described how ISDs can form large-scale botnets that can disrupt critical infrastructure through coordinated cyberattacks. The study also found that about half of the apps associated with ISDs contained malware, had an average of nearly 8 security vulnerabilities each, and could open super-user privileges to an end user’s network.
While this particular study was about risks in Taiwan, such issues can occur anywhere. In fact, AVIA used this research as basis for discussions with the Singapore government, and in workshops in Taiwan and Hong Kong, where the research has resonated.
A further round of research is underway by AVIA, which will come to light during the third quarter.
Stakeholder engagement
The Pulse report also described how a combination of vigilance, collaboration and technological countermeasures have helped countries in the South Asia region battle piracy.
In early May, AVIA’s Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) held its first platform Roundtable of the year with Meta at their offices in Singapore, where CAP liaised with its members and Meta to identify and address issues of concern during the event.
Meta informed the meeting of proactive steps they are taking to address piracy on their platform, noting that their particular focus for 2025 is addressing ISD piracy; and that a machine learning tool currently under development will be the best way to counter it on their platform.
CAP also reported on engagements with communications regulators in Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Enforcement and disruption
In response to changes in personnel and procedures with KomDigi, the telecom regulator in Indonesia, CAP worked with its local consultant and the regulator to ensure that Indonesia’s site blocking program remained effective.
CAP extended its site blocking program in Malaysia, working with Malaysian authorities to include the blocking of live sports sites for the first time. Blocking discussions were alsu initiated inthe Philppines.
Further collaboration
AVIA CAP continues its engagements with Google and Meta, and also has begun working with regional e-commerce platform providers to address piracy there.
It also is working with industr associations in Taiwan to conduct anti-piracy workshops and press the anti-piracy agenda.
Further reading
Asia Video Pulse, the Newsletter of the Asia Video Industy Assocation. June 2025. Asia Video Industry Association
Why it matters
“Increasingly, streamers … are beginning to cooperate with one another —forming partnerships to deliver bundled offerings that are bigger, better, and more valuable for consumers,” said Louis Boswell, AVIA CEO. “These bundled services are not just about driving subscriber growth; they are about increasing retention, expanding reach, and offering customers greater convenience and choice in a fragmented digital world.
“…No single player, no matter how dominant, can meet all the needs of a rapidly diversifying and digitally empowered audience. The market is too complex, too fast-moving, and too competitive for any one company to thrive alone.
“That’s why cooperation matters more than ever. It allows companies to combine strengths, share risks, and build better, more resilient propositions. It enables experimentation, innovation, and scale—without requiring vertical ownership of every link in the chain,” said Mr Boswell
The same mind-set applies to the fight against piracy.
