Video piracy across the Asia-Pacific region continues to decline, but a significant number of consumers remain unaware of the cybersecurity risks associated with accessing pirated content, according to a new consumer survey released by the Asia Video Industry Association’s Coalition Against Piracy (CAP).

The findings, released in partnership with research firm YouGov, are part of CAP’s 2026 consumer survey examining video piracy trends across eight Asia-Pacific markets. According to a CAP press release, 44 percent of consumers surveyed admitted to accessing pirated content, marking a slight improvement from 46 percent recorded in 2025.

Among the markets covered in the survey, Singapore reported the lowest piracy rate at 25 percent, a sharp decline from 38 percent a year earlier. However, piracy remains widespread in several markets, including Vietnam at 56 percent, Indonesia at 51 percent, Malaysia at 49 percent and the Philippines at 48 percent.

While piracy rates have shown signs of decline, the survey highlighted a growing concern around consumer awareness of cyber threats. Despite increasing evidence linking piracy platforms to malware, scams, credential theft and other forms of cybercrime, only 40 percent of respondents identified cybersecurity threats as a consequence of using piracy services.

The findings suggest that many consumers continue to view piracy primarily as an issue related to content access rather than a potential cybersecurity threat that could directly impact their personal data, devices and online accounts.

The survey also underscored the broader impact of piracy on both consumers and the media industry. Researchers found an increase in the number of piracy users who had cancelled at least one legitimate subscription service after turning to piracy platforms, further affecting revenues for legal content providers.

At the same time, the study revealed opportunities for content owners and streaming platforms to convert piracy users into paying customers. Around 73 percent of respondents who currently access pirated content said they would pay for legal content in some form if piracy services were unavailable. Additionally, 42 percent indicated they would consider subscribing to paid streaming services.

The report also pointed to the effectiveness of website-blocking measures in reducing piracy consumption. In markets where site-blocking orders are actively enforced, more than half of respondents in Indonesia and Vietnam who were aware of blocked piracy services said they had either stopped using those services altogether or significantly reduced their usage.

Commenting on the findings, Matt Cheetham, General Manager of CAP, said the continued decline in piracy levels was encouraging, particularly in Singapore, where a combination of successful piracy prosecutions and regular site-blocking actions has contributed to lower infringement rates.

However, he warned that a significant gap remains between consumer behaviour and awareness. According to Cheetham, many users still fail to recognise that piracy services can expose them to malware, fraud, credential theft and other cybersecurity risks.

He further noted that piracy is not a victimless activity, as it impacts legitimate businesses, weakens investment in creative industries and can expose consumers to serious online threats. The survey findings, he said, demonstrate the need for stronger awareness campaigns, continued enforcement efforts and greater encouragement for consumers to choose legitimate and safer content platforms.

The full survey report has been made available by CAP exclusively to members of the Asia Video Industry Association.