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Anti-piracy action in Brazil targets hundreds of websites and apps
By Chris Cooke | Published on Friday 24 June 2022
Law enforcement agencies in Brazil have blocked or seized the domains of hundreds of websites and apps accused of utilising and/or distributing unlicensed music in a coordinated action as part of an on-going anti-piracy initiative called Operation 404.
226 websites and 461 apps were targeted in the action, which was supported by local music industry trade group Pro-Música Brasil and the International Federation Of The Phonographic Industry, and which saw Brazilian police and the country’s Ministry Of Justice liaising with cyber and IP crime experts in both the US and the UK.
The high number of apps targeted is particularly interesting, given apps that use music without licence are becoming a top piracy gripe for the music industry.
Commenting on the operation, IFPI’s Director Of Global Content Protection And Enforcement Melissa Morgia says: “As a result of the coordinated work of the Brazilian authorities, together with agencies in the US and the UK, these actions have seen the highest number of unlicensed music services disrupted as part of the Operation 404 campaign. We thank and commend all the authorities and agencies involved in carrying out these actions for their ongoing collaboration and support in protecting music creators’ content”.
Meanwhile, Pro-Música Brasil Director Paulo Rosa adds: “This operation has had a particular impact on the growing problem of unlicensed music apps – sending a clear message to all operators of such services that they must cease their activities. These services are profiting from music whilst putting in jeopardy the growth of Brazil’s vibrant and diverse music ecosystem. We continue to support action against this, wherever necessary”.
