India’s online video sector could see a revenue loss of up to $ 2.4 billion and a drop in user base by 2029 if strong measures are not implemented to combat digital piracy. A recent study by Media Partners Asia (MPA), IP House, and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) warns that piracy could lead to a decline fo 158 million users over the next five years.
The scale of piracy is already a major concern. In 2024 alone, an estimated 90 million users in India accessed pirated video content, resulting in a staggering $ 1.2 billion in lost revenue. This represents nearly 10% of the total revenue generated by the legitimate video sector in the country.
Without swift action, the situation could worsen, with the number of users turning to illegal content potentially reaching 158 million by 2029. This could hold back the growth of India’s digital video industry, leading to cumulative losses of $ 2.4 billion, according to the report.
However, the study also highlighted the positive impact that targeted anti-piracy measures could have. Implementing effective strategies to fight piracy could help recover up to $ 1.1 billion in revenue by 2029. Additionally, this could result in a boost of $ 500 million for content creation and generate approximately 47,000 new jobs in the sector.
A collaborative approach to anti-piracy measures could also see the addition of 71 million new legitimate users, unlocking more than USD 2 billion in potential revenue. By addressing piracy head-on, the industry could create over 158,000 new jobs, both directly and indirectly, between 2025 and 2029, while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of digital platforms.
Despite the availability of legal protections such as the Copyright Act, the Cinematograph Act, and the Information Technology Act, which provide mechanisms for civil and criminal penalties, there remains a significant gap in enforcement. The report points to a lack of will from local and national authorities to prioritise copyright enforcement, which hinders the effectiveness of existing laws.
The research concludes that anti-piracy efforts are not just a means to curb losses, but a crucial strategy for driving the growth and sustainability of the digital video market. The recovery of value currently lost to piracy could fuel substantial reinvestment in content creation, technology, and talent development, unlocking new potential for the industry and the Indian economy as a whole.
(With inputs from ANI)