While legitimate streaming services and TV networks have seen massive ratings and viewership increases in recent weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic, the not-so legitimate ones are also pulling in serious numbers.
Digital piracy research firm Muso has announced that piracy has surged since coronavirus lockdown measures were introduced in March. Film piracy increased by over 40%, the rise being seen as ‘unprecedented.’
Italy and Spain, the two European countries worst affected by coronavirus, saw the highest increases in digital piracy with rises of 66% and 50% respectively.
The rise in film piracy comes as people worldwide have had to self-isolate in their homes, many seeking refuge in the comfort of old films and TV viewing marathons, while millions have have lost their jobs or significant income as a result of lockdowns.
The firm tracked 1.1 billion visits to piracy sites in the U.S. alone in March this year.
Source: Variety
