Content theft ultimate hits the consumer with content creators and TV platform operators reluctant to make investments, according to Telia’s Martin Bläckberg.
The Nordic telco has announced it has signed up to Nordic Content Protection, which works to combat illegal streaming and illegal access to television broadcasts received via satellite dish, digital terrestrial network, IPTV or cable TV systems.
The 20 year-old organisation works across a range of specialised solutions covering technical advisory, enforcement actions, criminal case investigations, law enforcement collaboration, claims settlements and court hearing testimonials. It works with several distributors and rights holders in the Nordic region who support its activities.
“Every year, TV providers invest large sums of money for broadcasting rights to films, series and sporting events,” says Stian Løland, CEO of Nordic Content Protection. “These investments financially support musicians, athletes, artists, actors, lyricists, producers and other individuals, as well as various cultural offerings, sports teams and sports clubs in connection with recruitment and further development. I’m very pleased to welcome Telia to our Nordic network of companies dedicated to fighting against illegal profiteering, which is often connected to serious organized crime.”
“Content theft discourages both creators and TV operators from investing in content,” Martin Bläckberg, Head of Media Strategy & Content Management at Telia says. “This ultimately leads to a smaller selection of movies, TV shows and sports events for consumers to watch. In addition, content providers may have to raise their prices to compensate for the income lost to piracy, making it more expensive for consumers to watch content legally. Last but not least, the illegal streaming services are often operated by criminals who use the profits to fund other illegal activities, underlining the importance of shutting these services down.”
Figures from a Mediavision study released in May 2024 show that 28%, or 2.2 million Swedes, anonymously reported that they had watched TV content via an illegal service in the past month, an increase of 8 percent from last year’s already high 25%.
As a member of Nordic Content Protection, Telia says it will continue to work with relevant stakeholders such as industry players and politicians to address the challenge.
