Illicit streaming devices, specifically TV boxes, are “changing the face of piracy” in the country, with 14 per cent admitting to using such a device.
File photo of a television remote.
SINGAPORE: There are 39 per cent of Singaporeans who have indicated that they are active in illegally streaming or downloading movies, TV shows or live sports channels, according to the latest survey findings from research firm Sycamore released on Tuesday (Sep 12).
The findings showed that almost half of the population admitted to having engaged in online piracy. The survey was released at a Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA)-sponsored event.
The study combined qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including a survey of 1,000 respondents in Singapore, weighted to be representative of the population. Another 300 users of illicit streaming devices were also surveyed to better understand the details of their behaviours, the press release on the survey findings said.
Sycamore research director Anna Meadows said on Tuesday that the firm has conducted industry research in markets such as Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, but Singapore's active piracy rate is the highest.
She qualified to say the studies are apple-to-apple comparisons. For instance, the Australia study showed that 27 per cent are actively pirating content, but the number did not include those who use illicit streaming devices.
The study noted that illicit streaming devices, specifically TV boxes, are “changing the face of piracy” in the country, with 14 per cent admitting to using such a device.
This finding was picked up on by CASBAA’s chief policy officer John Medeiros, who said in the press release that the admitted use of such TV boxes is “much greater” in Singapore than in other developed markets such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
Mr Medeiros added: “While these numbers are already concerning, they rely on the candour of respondents and undoubtedly underestimate the true scale of the problem.”
More at Channel News Asia