TV piracy can cost you Dh10,000 fine in Ajman

Ajman - Ajman issues stark warning againts those who provide and access TV content through Dish TV and other illegal sources.

Following the crackdown on TV piracy in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah that was led by the concerted efforts of leading pay-TV network OSN, Ajman Department of Economic Development (DED) has stepped up efforts to crackdown on illegal providers.
Abdullah Ahmad Al Ali and Abdulaziz Qaed Murad from Ajman DED conducted raids in five shops in the Emirate, and imposed fines of up to Dh10,000 and destroyed a number of confiscated materials including Dish TV India set-top boxes.
Ajman DED also issued a stark warning to all illegal TV service providers underlining that South Asian services such as Dish TV India, TataSky, Sun Direct, Airtel and Reliance decoders are unauthorised and unlicensed in the Mena region. The authorities have also warned against the use of illegal cables, hybrid decoders and digital piracy.
Saud Sultan Al Shimmari, Director of the Department of Control and Consumer Protection of Ajman DED, said: "We view TV piracy as a serious offence that violates intellectual property rights and causes huge losses to our economy. Ajman DED will vigorously pursue individuals who promote and sell unauthorised and unlicensed TV services.
We encourage people to voluntarily refrain from accessing unauthorised TV services. We urge all to come forward and inform us of any such illegal activity so we can take strong measures to curb this menace."
The action taken by Ajman DED complements the concerted efforts by various DED offices across other emirates in the UAE in confronting TV piracy head-on through raids, and by confiscating illegal TV equipment and issuing hefty fines.
David Butorac, Chief Executive Officer of OSN, said: "We are thankful to Ajman DED for its support and action in addressing TV piracy. Through direct action and a joint approach, we can drive the steady awareness and eradication of TV piracy and ensure the UAE economy doesn't suffer from this black market trade.
"Addressing TV piracy is important as it also impacts the UAE's creative industry and adversely affects the economy. It is important to be constantly vigilant to the new techniques illegal operators adopt."
According to industry reports, TV piracy costs the industry over $500 million every year.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Ajman