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RAK crackdown on CD piracy

RAS AL KHAIMAH - Over 6,000 pirated compact discs and 4,000 audio and video cassettes have been confiscated from six shops in Ras Al Khaimah and Marieedh since the beginning of this year, according to sources at the Ministry of Information and Culture.

The content of most of the CDs comprises video games, films and music. Two vehicles were pressed into service to distribute about 4,000 audio cassettes to 16 shops in the emirates. The labels were being produced privately and being distributed to shops by individuals.

Tourists from China and Russia are reportedly involved in the selling of pirated CDs. Duplicated CDs cost Dh5 each, where an originals CD is priced at Dh50.

"The ministry move has led to a significant reduction in the use and sale of illegal software in the emirate. It also underscores the government's seriousness in dealing with software piracy," said Waleed Abdullah Mohammed Shaban, Inspector at the Censorship Section of the Ras Al Khiamah Ministry of Information.

UAE federal laws have made it mandatory for companies and end-users to use original software and maintain evidence of the original software within the systems. In order to protect intellectual rights, it is necessary to curb duplication of tapes and CDs.

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