Singapore's Crackdown on Illegal Streaming Devices Marks Major Victory for Anti-Piracy Efforts
- Oliver Walsh
- Feb 5
- 2 min read
Singapore has secured its first successful prosecution under the amended Copyright Act, sentencing a Sim Lim Square seller to 10 months in jail and fining his companies $300,000 for selling illegal streaming devices, marking a major victory in the fight against digital piracy.
Singapore's fight against illegal streaming devices (ISDs) has reached a new milestone with the recent sentencing of a seller under the amended Copyright Act. The case marks the first successful prosecution under Section 150 of the 2021 Copyright Act, which targets businesses dealing in piracy-enabling devices.
The convicted seller, operating from MT Gadget+ and Grandnew, was sentenced to 10 months in jail, and his two companies were fined $300,000 each.
Premier League's Ongoing Anti-Piracy Efforts in Singapore
In comments made to the Straits Times, Kevin Plumb, the Premier League's general counsel, highlighted the case's significance, stating that it sends a strong message to rights holders and those engaged in piracy. The Premier League has been actively tackling illegal streaming in the region, with Singapore serving as a strategic base for enforcement efforts since it established its first international office in the country in 2019.
Plumb recalled his 2017 visit to the electronics mall, where he was stunned by the open sale of piracy-enabling devices, likening the experience to shopping in an Apple Store. His visit, prompted by concerns raised by Singtel, set off a series of legal actions to curb the sale of these devices.
The Premier League has worked closely with regional law enforcement agencies, broadcasters, and policymakers to strengthen anti-piracy measures. In 2018, the league joined forces with Singtel, StarHub, and Fox Networks Group to take legal action against ISD sellers, leading to fines for Synnex Trading and its director.
Stronger Laws, Tougher Enforcement
Singapore's Ministry of Law responded to the growing piracy problem by amending the Copyright Act 2021. This move explicitly banned the sale of media streaming boxes that facilitate access to pirated content, eliminating previous legal uncertainties surrounding enforcement actions against ISD sellers.
The recent conviction is seen as a direct outcome of these legal improvements. Plumb emphasized that Singapore's proactive stance has given rights holders confidence that their intellectual property will be protected.
The Future of Anti-Piracy Efforts
In his comments to the Straits Times, Plumb acknowledged that piracy constantly evolves, with criminals shifting tactics from ISDs to social media, mobile apps, and illegal streaming websites. However, the Premier League is actively fighting back, with an internal team of specialists and external vendors blocking nearly 90% of pirated content before it is uploaded to platforms like Meta, YouTube, and TikTok.
Through initiatives like the annual Boot Out Piracy campaign and close collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the Premier League remains committed to protecting its content and legitimate broadcasting partners.
"The sale of illegal streaming devices at Sim Lim Square was just one example of a broader piracy problem in the region," Plumb said. "Singapore's legal improvements, criminal prosecutions, and site-blocking actions have allowed us to make real progress in tackling piracy across Asia."
With Singapore now setting a legal precedent, it remains to be seen how other countries in the region will strengthen their anti-piracy laws and enforcement measures.
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