The Asia Video Industry Association’s Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) commends the Singapore High Court for its latest order to block another 20 illegal streaming sites and associated domains responsible for the distribution of illegally streamed content in Singapore.

Under the order, Internet Service Providers must disable access to these illegal sites and their associated domains, AVIA said in a media statement today.

The Order comes as CAP releases its latest YouGov consumer surveys that highlight the effectiveness of site blocking, particularly in Singapore. “It’s no coincidence that after almost ten years of blocking pirate sites, the research shows that Singapore has one of the lowest piracy rates in the region, but given the inherent time and cost inefficiencies in the system we can only imagine how much more effective it could be if rights holders were able to block more often and at a higher volume,” said CAP’s General Manager, Matthew Cheetham. The YouGov surveys also show that Singapore consumers are being educated about the dangers and risks associated with accessing illegal content online. Cheetham noted, “In blocking access to these illegal streaming sites, Courts are not only protecting the rights of content holders but just as importantly continuing to educate and protect consumers who are often unknowingly exposed to viruses and malicious content when accessing illegal sites, including malware that can access a user’s sensitive data such as banking details.”

According to YouGov research, Singapore has the highest rates of subscription to legitimate content channels in the region, in addition to having the highest consumer awareness in the region of the dangers and risks associated with accessing illegal content online. Cheetham went on to say, “Protecting content and making legitimate sources easily accessible go hand in hand.” There are now a plethora of alternatives for customers to simply and economically get legal content, thereby protecting themselves from the risks involved with using pirate sites.”