A new study released by the Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), under Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), has highlighted the growing cybersecurity, privacy and financial risks faced by consumers using illegal streaming services across the Asia-Pacific region. The report warns that millions of users accessing pirated content may be unknowingly exposing themselves to malware, identity theft, phishing attacks and online fraud.

According to a CAP press release, the report titled Consumer Harms and Fraud Pathways in Asia-Pacific’s Illicit Streaming Economy was unveiled at the organisation’s annual State of Piracy Roundtable held alongside the APOS Summit in Bali, Indonesia. The study was authored by cybersecurity researcher Professor Paul Watters and is being described as the first comprehensive examination of consumer risks associated with digital piracy across the region.

The research analysed several forms of piracy, including illicit streaming devices (ISDs), IPTV subscription services, playlist sellers, account-sharing schemes and third-party streaming applications. Its findings challenge the perception that piracy is simply a low-cost alternative to legitimate entertainment platforms.

Among the report’s most significant findings is the discovery that nearly half of the illicit streaming applications tested contained malware capable of harvesting personal information, compromising devices and even recruiting users into cybercrime botnets. The study also found that consumers purchasing piracy services through social media platforms, messaging applications and online marketplaces are vulnerable to advance-payment scams and fraudulent service providers.

Researchers further noted that many illegal streaming services expose users to phishing attacks, credential theft and identity fraud. Consumers who purchase or share streaming account credentials also face the risk of account takeovers, financial losses and exposure to stolen or compromised accounts. In addition, pirate streaming websites frequently redirect users to malicious advertisements, malware downloads and fraudulent online destinations.

Commenting on the findings, Professor Paul Watters said the piracy ecosystem has evolved far beyond copyright infringement and now presents significant consumer protection concerns.

“Many consumers believe they are simply finding a cheaper way to watch television, movies and sports content. In reality, they are often stepping into an ecosystem that exposes them to malware, identity theft, fraud and broader cybercrime. The risks are substantial and, in many cases, invisible to users until after the damage has been done,” Watters said.

CAP General Manager Matthew Cheetham said the report reinforces the need to view piracy as a broader cybersecurity and consumer harm issue rather than solely an intellectual property challenge.

“For years, piracy has been framed primarily as a content theft problem. This research shows that it is increasingly a consumer harm problem. The same criminal networks facilitating piracy are often creating opportunities for fraud, phishing, malware distribution and identity theft,” Cheetham said.

He added that consumers should be cautious of services that appear unusually inexpensive or offer content through unofficial channels, warning that the perceived savings can ultimately result in far greater personal and financial costs.

Beyond identifying risks, the report also outlines several measures aimed at reducing consumer harm. These include stronger enforcement against piracy merchants, improved platform moderation, increased consumer awareness campaigns and greater collaboration among governments, technology companies, payment providers, cybersecurity experts and rights holders.

The findings were presented during CAP’s annual State of Piracy Roundtable, which brings together policymakers, regulators, law enforcement agencies, internet service providers, technology platforms and industry stakeholders to discuss emerging piracy and cybercrime threats across the Asia-Pacific region.

As digital piracy continues to evolve, the report suggests that tackling the issue will require coordinated action not only from content owners but also from the wider technology and cybersecurity ecosystem, given the increasingly close links between piracy networks and online criminal activity.