At WAVES 2025, a panel discussion on “Piracy: Safeguarding Content through Technology” brought together global leaders in media, law, and cybersecurity to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the digital content economy. Moderated by Neil Gane, Vice President and Head of Asia Pacific at IP House, the conversation reflected the growing consensus that piracy is no longer a fringe concern but a mainstream threat demanding coordinated, multi-dimensional responses.
Vivek Couto, Managing and Executive Director of Media Partners Asia, underlined the economic cost of unchecked piracy and urged stakeholders to reframe the piracy discussion from protection to potential, especially as India’s digital video economy scales. Dr. Shruti Mantri, Associate Director at ISB Institute of Data Science, highlighted the intersection of digital piracy and cybercrime. She called for comprehensive public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives, noting that prevention must begin with informed consumers.
Speaking on anti-piracy operations in the sports sector, Anurag Kashyap, Head of Anti-Piracy Operations at DAZN, explained the preventive approach, whereas, Legal expert Anil Lale, Head-Legal at Jio Hotstar, stressed the importance of strong enforcement. Praveen Anand of Anand and Anand Associates emphasised that the solution lies in both technology and judicial reform. The panel converged on the need for a united front, where technology, legislation, enforcement agencies, and public awareness work in tandem to protect the future of digital content.
