The South Korean government is ramping up efforts to tackle online piracy with advanced artificial intelligence technologies. Korea will use AI to purge piracy streaming sites to protect its entertainment industry. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT (MiST), new AI-based systems will replace manual methods to detect and block illegal streaming sites. These systems aim to identify and track pirated content more effectively.
The government detailed its strategy in a Dec. 19 report titled “Korean-style Online Video Service Industry – Announcement of Strategy to Strengthen International Competitiveness.” It outlined plans to invest in AI-driven tools for automatic detection and verification of piracy. MiST collaborated with online content distributors, tech companies, and AI experts to shape this initiative.
Boosting Global Reach of K-Content
The strategy includes a significant 1 trillion won (approximately $685 million) public-private fund to support global distribution of Korean content. Major companies like Samsung and LG plan to leverage their reach, using over 600 million TVs worldwide to promote K-content. The government also aims to increase participation in global video festivals, such as Cannes, to showcase Korean productions.
AI will play a key role beyond piracy control. Integrating AI will enhance content creation with dubbing in multiple languages, personalized recommendations, and interactive storytelling. Over three million hours of archived video content will train AI models to innovate and optimize content production processes.
Addressing Piracy Challenges
By integrating advanced technology, Korea will use AI to purge piracy streaming sites in a new government strategy to combat illegal content distribution. Piracy remains a pressing issue for Korea’s entertainment sector. Illegal streaming sites have caused massive revenue losses. NuNu TV alone has cost the industry an estimated five trillion won. A 2023 survey revealed that 51% of South Koreans consumed pirated content weekly, highlighting the urgency of tackling the problem.
The government is also enhancing international collaborations. Officials like Interpol Special Agent Hong Seong-jin are driving efforts to combat piracy globally. Hong called for more Korean investigators abroad and emphasized the importance of enforcing strict penalties against pirates.
The Threat of Online Piracy
Piracy affects industries worldwide. According to DataProt, illegal downloads and streaming consume 24% of global internet bandwidth. The entertainment industry lost an estimated $51.6 billion in 2022 due to online piracy. Video content, especially, is a prime target.
South Korea’s global content exports, from dramas to K-pop, have contributed significantly to its economy. However, piracy disrupts this growth by eroding trust, discouraging creators, and damaging revenue streams. Officials confirmed that Korea will use AI to purge piracy streaming sites to safeguard intellectual property rights.
Prominent Piracy Cases
Popular South Korean dramas like All of Us Are Dead, Squid Game, and Hellbound have been piracy targets. In one notable case, All of Us Are Dead was illegally distributed in China under the name “Zombie Campus.” Pirated versions were sold for as little as five yuan on major platforms, highlighting weak intellectual property enforcement.
Steps to Prevent Piracy
Experts recommend several strategies to counter online piracy:
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Digital Rights Management (DRM):
Advanced encryption technologies can secure video content from unauthorized use.
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Watermarks:
Static or dynamic watermarks can deter piracy by embedding identifiable markers in video content.
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Raising Awareness:
Educating audiences about the harm caused by piracy can reduce its demand.
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Legal Action:
Reporting piracy to authorities can lead to takedowns and penalties for offenders.
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Copyright Protections:
Registering copyrights ensures better monitoring and enforcement against infringements.
Online piracy threatens the growth of creative industries globally. The South Korean government’s focus on AI-driven solutions is a promising step to safeguard content. By combining technology, awareness, and legal enforcement, Korea aims to protect its thriving entertainment sector and expand its influence worldwide.
Also Read: Google is Using Anthropic’s Claude to Fine-Tune Its Gemini AI: A Step Towards Smarter Models.
