by Jan Michael Carpo, Reporter
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has recommended blocking six websites involved in movie piracy, a move that aligns with the agency’s broader strategy to protect digital rights and support the emerging digital economy in the Philippines, including finance technology.
Earlier this week, the IPOPHL issued two separate requests to internet service providers (ISPs) to disable access to these sites. The targeted platforms include the SFlix websites — sflix.to, sflix.se, and sflix.is — as well as MyFlixer sites like myflixerz.to, myflixertv.to, and myflixer.today.
The requests resulted from complaints lodged by the Motion Pictures Association, Inc. (MPA) — whose member studios include Disney, Netflix, Paramount, Sony, Universal and Warner Bros. Discovery — to the Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Office (IEO).
According to the MPA’s complaints, “these websites have neither authority nor permission, from the rights holders, expressed or implied, to make available, publish, copy, print, reproduce, use, or make available for download or for streaming in any manner of any of the rights holders’ copyrighted works.”
“By hosting pirated content and allowing users to access illegal copies through downloading or streaming, Respondents undermine the exclusive rights of Complainants,” the request further stated, noting how such actions are violations of Section 216 of Republic Act 18293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (IP Code) as amended.
IPOPHL’s action, taken during “National Anti-Piracy Month” under Proclamation 596 signed in 2018, reflects their proactive stance in curbing digital piracy, which affects industries beyond entertainment.
Digital piracy poses a significant threat to sectors reliant on secure content delivery, such as fintech, where the safe distribution of intellectual property and digital assets is crucial for investor confidence and market growth.
IPOPHL’s commitment to safeguarding digital assets
Under IPOPHL’s Memorandum Circular 2023-025, or the Rules on Voluntary Administrative Site Blocking, website operators are given five days to respond to complaints posted on IPOPHL’s website before escalated action is taken. The process, which began on October 24, signals IPOPHL’s commitment to safeguarding digital assets, a key priority as fintech expands in the country.
The move to restrict access to piracy sites is backed by complaints from the Motion Picture Association Inc. (MPA), which represents major studios like Disney and Netflix.
The MPA’s complaint highlights the unauthorized streaming and downloading capabilities offered by these sites, infringing upon the copyrighted works of major studios. This issue extends beyond entertainment and has implications for industries like fintech, where intellectual property theft can disrupt market operations and harm consumer trust.
Protecting intellectual property has become a foundational component of a stable digital economy, particularly with the growth of fintech platforms, which rely on proprietary technologies and secure data sharing.
Republic Act (RA) 8293 or the “Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines” empowers the IPOPHL to prevent such infringements in copyright. In the fintech industry, where data integrity and intellectual property protection are paramount, such regulatory actions strengthen the foundation for innovation and help foster a climate where investors and consumers feel protected from illicit activities.
The importance of supporting creators and tech-based businesses
Nathaniel Arevalo, IPOPHL’s deputy director general, emphasized the importance of supporting a safe digital environment for creators, innovators, and tech-based businesses.
“As an ex-officio member of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council, IPOPHL is one with the nation in fighting bad actors that derail efforts to cultivate a safe environment,” Arevalo said. He also said that such protections are vital for encouraging investments that spur innovation not only in creative fields but also in high-growth sectors like finance technology.
With 43 million gamers and 1.5 million freelancers, the Philippines is rapidly solidifying its status as a leader in the creative economy. The recent measures taken by IPOPHL signal a significant commitment to protecting intellectual property rights across digital platforms. As fintech grows in the Philippines, combating piracy and digital IP theft has become a national priority to ensure that digital rights are respected.
IPOPHL’s partnership with ISPs and the MPA reflects the agency’s commitment to working with both local and global stakeholders, supporting the integrity of online content in ways that benefit both creative and fintech sectors alike.
The Philippines’ efforts to counter digital piracy align with global initiatives where governments and industry bodies are increasingly joining forces to secure online ecosystems. For fintech and other tech-based industries in the Philippines, these measures not only reinforce compliance standards but also enhance the trust required to sustain economic growth and attract investment in digital innovation.
IPOPHL’s campaign is more than an anti-piracy effort; it is a strategic move to build a resilient digital economy where creative and tech sectors can thrive. For IPOPHL, it’s about establishing an ecosystem that ensures fintech and other tech-based enterprises can operate securely, supporting a future where the Philippines’ digital economy continues to expand free from piracy and digital infringement.