Law enforcement in South Africa has been collaborating with African media conglomerate MultiChoice to hunt down and arrest individuals engaging in the illegal sale of login credentials that grant buyers access to paid streaming accounts. The revenue goes to the pirates in such cases, not to MultiChoice.
In a September operation, police raided an illegal operation in Worcester, Western Cape, which resulted in an individual’s arrest and charges of violating South Africa’s Copyright Act and Cybercrimes Act of 2020.
This follows a separate case that resulted in an arrest in July 2024, also of an individual who was selling login credentials and illicit streaming devices illegally. Police confiscated “numerous pieces of equipment,” which are being analyzed.
Those convicted of violating the Cybercrimes Act may face fines, up to ten years in prison, or both.
Further reading
DStv owner nails streaming pirate (2). Article. by Daniel Puchert. September 25, 2024. MyBroadband (South Africa)
DStv owner nails streaming pirate. Article. July 26, 2024. MyBroadband
Why it matters
These raids “(highlight) continuous efforts to dismantle illegal operations that undermine the creative industry,” said Irdeto broadcast cybersecurity and anti-piracy director Frikkie Jonker. In addition to that role, Mr Jonker is involved with Partners Against Piracy, an Africa-wide initiative comprised of multiple stake-holders working alongside local governments to address intellectual property (IP) infringement through collaboration.
In addition to cracking down on credential fraud, MultiChoice pursues a multi-pronged anti-piracy campaign that also includes site shutdowns, seizure of illegal equipment, and collaboration with law enforcement and with governments at local, regional, national and international levels.
