Record industry triumphs in ‘first ever’ stream ripping blocking case in India – Music Business Worldwide

IFPI, the organization that represents the recorded music industry worldwide, alongside IMI, representing music labels in India, have together coordinated what they say was the “first ever” successful blocking action targeting stream-ripping sites in India.

The ruling, which was published by the Delhi High Court on Thursday (January 19), requires ISPs in India to block access to 20 stream-ripping sites.

The case was coordinated by IFPI and IMI on behalf of their member record companies: Sony Music India, Universal Music India, Warner Music India.

The IFPI cites a study it carried out last year, in which it found that India has “a very high rate of music piracy” with almost three-quarters of internet users (73%) using “unlicensed or illegal ways” to listen to music in the country.

The org says that this rate is “more than twice as high as the global average of 30%”.

The 20 sites blocked as part of this action collectively received nearly half a billion visits last year from users based in India, according to the IFPI.

The decision in India follows a series of cases against stream-ripping websites taken by the record industry around the world over the last few years.

Courts and authorities in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Ecuador, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Peru, Russia and Spain have all handed down decisions requiring ISPs to block their customers’ access to stream ripping websites.

“We welcome this decision and the strong message it sends to operators of stream ripping sites, wherever they may be based, that we are prepared to take the appropriate action against them.”

Frances Moore, IFPI

Frances Moore, Chief Executive of IFPI, said: “We welcome this decision and the strong message it sends to operators of stream ripping sites, wherever they may be based, that we are prepared to take the appropriate action against them.

“These services make large amounts of money from music whilst paying nothing to those domestic and international artists that are creating it and the labels that are investing in the music of tomorrow.”

“We welcome the Delhi High Court’s decision which will further strengthen the recorded music industry’s fight against digital music piracy.”

Blaise Fernandes, IMI

Blaise Fernandes, President & CEO, IMI, added: “We welcome the Delhi High Court’s decision which will further strengthen the recorded music industry’s fight against digital music piracy.

“Given that it’s the first time a website blocking order has been granted against stream ripping websites, this precedent is an important step in the right direction for the Indian recorded music industry.”Music Business Worldwide