Without decisive measures, digital piracy could cost India’s creative economy up to US$2.4 billion by 2029. So said a new report released at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), which took place at the beginning of May.
The report, “The Impact of Piracy on India’s Online Video Sector and Creative Economy,” is a joint effort between IP House / Media Partners Asia, produced in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The four-day WAVES event was attended by entertainment industry executives from over 60 countries around the world. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi provided the key-note address.
Robust industry
India currently enjoys a nearly US$5.8 billion video investment landscape. While television still leads with 51% share, digital formats across SVOD, AVOD, and UGC now account for 37%—up from 15% in 2019—making it the fastest-growing segment there, according to the report.
Economic damage
The report sheds light on the major economic damage caused by online piracy across India’s vibrant creative sectors, particularly the film, OTT and television industries, and underscores the urgent need for coordinated action across industry and policy stakeholders.
“The report shows that in 2024 alone, online video piracy cost India approximately US$1.2 billion in lost revenues,” said Vivek Couto, Executive and Managing Director of Media Partners Asia. Approximately 90 million users accessed pirated video content that year.
Without decisive measures, digital piracy could grow to 158 million users and could cost India’s creative economy up to ten percent of its potential revenue; US$2.4 billion by 2029.
Path to recovery
While digital piracy could cost India’s creative economy up to US$2.4 billion by 2029, effective anti-piracy measures would have significant positive impact, including:
- Migration of up to 45% of piracy users to legal video services by 2029
- An overall 25% surge in legal service usage across India’s digital video sector
- Creation of approximately 158,000 new jobs across India’s creative industries, strengthening employment and supporting sector growth.
“With effective anti-piracy measures in place, by 2029 the sector could recover an estimated US$ 1.1B in revenues and the potential to generate 158,000 incremental jobs—direct and indirect—across India’s video industry. These findings underscore an urgent need for decisive action through industry collaboration, consumer education, and stronger enforcement to safeguard the creative sector,” said Mr Couto.
Strategic Priorities:
Focus areas include industry collaboration, public education, stronger law enforcement, and sustained monitoring and enforcement actions
The report was launched by Mr Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), just prior to an anti-piracy session (“Piracy: Safeguarding Content Through Technology”) moderated by Neil Gane, now VP and Head of Asia Pacific for IP House and discussed during that session. Mr. Gane has previously held executive roles with the Motion Picture Association and the Asia Video Industry Association, and has a law enforcement background.
Further reading
“The Impact of Piracy on India’s Online Video Sector and Creative Economy,” Report. May 2025. IP House / Media Partners Asia (MPA), in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
At WAVES 2025, experts call for unified action against piracy, blending technoloy, law, and awareness. Press release. May 3, 2025. Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, India.
Why it matters
“Digital piracy is not just about lost revenue — it is about the erosion of trust, investment opportunities and safety,” said Neil Gane, of IP House. “Piracy today is more sophisticated, pervasive, and organized than ever before, funding organized criminal networks and causing broader societal harm.
“Our goal must be to build a resilient ecosystem of defense, detection, and deterrence using the latest technological advancements. Through collective action, we can safeguard India’s creative future and the millions of livelihoods it sustains,” he said.
The panel converged on the need for a united front, where technology, legislation, enforcement agencies, and public awareness work in tandem to protect the future of digital content. WAVES 2025, through such discussions, continues to spotlight actionable strategies for the Media and Entertainment industry’s most pressing concerns.
