The Motion Picture Association (MPA) and Nelson Mandela University announced a collaboration to advance independent research and deepen understanding of the impact of digital piracy across Africa; the first of its kind for that continent.
Its first project will examine the cybersecurity risks consumers face when accessing pirated content in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. The research is intended to provide new, locally relevant evidence about the relationship between digital piracy and cybersecurity threats, including the potential risks faced by consumers who access illegal websites and services.
Established through a Memorandum of Understanding between the MPA and the university, the collaboration will bring together the MPA’s expertise in content protection with the research capabilities of the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO), hosted by the university and establishes a framework through which the organizations can pursue research and consulting projects on piracy, the creative economy, and other areas of shared interest.
Why it matters
Illegal piracy services undermine legitimate businesses, put creative-sector jobs and investment at risk, and can expose consumers to fraud, malware, and other online threats. Developing a stronger evidence base is an important part of addressing those challenges.
“South Africa is at an important crossroads, with a booming creative sector, extraordinary local storytelling and enormous potential for continued investment and growth,” said Karyn Temple, Senior Executive Vice President, and Global General Counsel of the MPA.
“As discussions continue in South Africa around effective enforcement tools, including site blocking, this first-of-its-kind research will provide important, locally grounded evidence about the risks and real-world consequences of piracy,” said Ms. Temple. “Our goal is … (to support) concrete, effective and proportionate enforcement measures that protect audiences, strengthen the legitimate creative economy, and allow South African stories and storytellers to thrive.”
Nelson Mandela University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa added, “This partnership brings together complementary expertise to deepen our understanding of an increasingly complex challenge at the intersection of technology, culture, consumer safety and the creative economy. It is exactly the kind of impactful research and innovation that this university wants to be known for – research that is relevant to our continent and that can contribute meaningfully to society.”
The MPA works with governments, law enforcement, technology companies and creative-sector partners around the world to advance effective and proportionate approaches to tackling piracy, including proven tools such as site blocking, while protecting legitimate online activity.
Further reading
MPA and Nelson Mandela University announce landmark collaboration to advance research on piracy in Africa. Press release. September 7, 2026. Motion Picture Association
