The future of video in Asia: Navigating piracy and regulatory maze

The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) has unveiled the Asia Video Industry Report 2025, offering an in-depth analysis of the region’s evolving video ecosystem. This report, curated by Charmaine Kwan, Head of Marketing and Communications at AVIA, sheds light on the remarkable transformation of the video industry, from its origins in pay TV to its current multifaceted structure encompassing streaming, free-to-air broadcasting, and direct-to-consumer platforms.
Industry Transformation and Challenges
AVIA's report underscores the shift from the unified pay TV era to a dynamic and diverse ecosystem. The rise of streaming services has revolutionized consumer expectations, pushing traditional broadcasters and pay TV operators to innovate and stay relevant. However, this evolution has also introduced complexities, such as intensified competition and regulatory challenges.

The report highlights four major focus areas for the industry:
1. Regulatory Engagement: Policymakers across Asia face the challenge of adapting existing frameworks to address the unique demands of modern video platforms. AVIA serves as a crucial bridge, advocating for fair regulations and enabling a thriving business environment.
2. Anti-Piracy Efforts: With piracy continuing to undermine legitimate businesses, AVIA’s Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) leads initiatives to combat illegal services, emphasizing collaboration with governments and technology providers.
3. Supporting Advertising in Premium Content: The transition to digital platforms has disrupted traditional advertising models. AVIA champions the value of premium, long-form content in driving engagement and brand safety.
4. Local Market Engagement: Recognizing Asia's diversity, AVIA provides insights and fosters collaborations tailored to the unique characteristics of regional markets.
A Unified Voice for the Industry
Louis Boswell, CEO of AVIA, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges such as piracy and fragmented regulations. AVIA acts as a unifying force, facilitating collective solutions and supporting stakeholders across the video industry.
The foreword by AVIA Chair and BBC Studios executive highlights significant achievements, including advocacy efforts in India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Key events like the Future of Video Conference in Mumbai and the State of Piracy Summit in Vietnam underscore AVIA’s commitment to fostering dialogue and driving progress in the region.
The Asia Video Industry Report 2025 reaffirms AVIA's pivotal role in navigating the complexities of the video ecosystem. By championing industry-wide collaboration and addressing critical challenges, AVIA ensures a vibrant and sustainable future for video content across Asia.

Combating Piracy in Asia

The Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) has reported a significant increase in piracy via social media and messaging platforms, rising from 35% in 2023 to 49% in 2024. In response, CAP has intensified collaborations with major platforms like Google, Facebook, and TikTok to mitigate these activities.

Key achievements in 2024 include:

Enforcement Actions:
Over 100,000 infringing links removed from Google Search.
Regular site-blocking programs implemented in Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, targeting over 1,200 sites collectively.

Platform Engagement:
Successful delisting of blocked sites from Google.
Efforts with TikTok to develop automated tools for takedowns.
Persistent lobbying with Indonesian authorities to address piracy on Telegram, resulting in fines for non-compliance.

CAP's outreach extended to roundtables with industry stakeholders in Singapore, highlighting the importance of collaboration for effective content protection.
Industry Outlook

The Indian M&E sector is experiencing unparalleled growth driven by increased internet penetration and rising disposable incomes. Despite the complexity of emerging regulations, stakeholders willing to navigate the evolving landscape are poised to reap substantial benefits.

Engaging consultants to ensure compliance with Indian laws and adapting to the socio-political context remain critical for success in this dynamic market.

As the regulatory framework and industry efforts converge, the stage is set for a more equitable and thriving media landscape in India and across Asia.

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