The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), in collaboration with other enforcement agencies, has arrested a suspect following an extensive investigation into a sophisticated online piracy network responsible for the unlawful distribution of copyrighted television content belonging to licensed broadcasters.

The suspect, Kelvin Kiplagat Singóei, was apprehended in Kiplombe, Uasin Gishu County, for distributing and reselling illegal streams of premium television channels, including popular sports and entertainment networks. The unauthorised services were marketed through various online platforms and social media accounts, offering consumers access to pay-TV content without the required licences.

As well as copyright infringement, the operation also presented serious cybersecurity and data privacy risks to users. Subscribers were reportedly required to share personal information and make digital payments through unverified channels – exposing them to: Data breaches and identity theft, financial fraud via unsecured payment systems and malware or virus infections through unregulated streaming links and modified applications.

“Illegal distribution of copyrighted content deprives creators and broadcasters of their rightful earnings and discourages investment in local production, sports development, and employment within the media sector,” stated George Nyakweba, Acting Executive Director at KECOBO. “Subscribing to such services exposes consumers to high cybersecurity risks, as their personal and financial data can be compromised or misused by criminal networks.”

“We will continue working closely with right holders and other enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute these offenders,” he added. “Infringement of Copyright undermines Kenya’s creative economy by affecting local content creators, legitimate broadcasters and government revenue collection. Unlicensed services evade taxation and regulatory oversight, resulting in substantial losses to the national treasury and to legitimate businesses that contribute to Kenya’s digital and creative economy.”

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Categories: Articles, Business, Content, OTT, OTT, Piracy, Policy, Regulation, Rights

Tags: copyright, KECOBO, Kenya Copyright Board, online piracy