Pilot program reduces revenues earned by piracy sites

A pilot project to reduce revenues earned by piracy sites through advertising is yielding results, according to the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU).

Operation Creative, a joint effort involving the City of London Police, advertising bodies and rights holders, is tackling the issue at source by aiming to cut off the main revenue stream: advertising.

Site owners receive a “correct their behaviour” and “operate legitimately” warning from the Police, brand holders are told where their adverts are displayed. In turn the presence of adverts from well-known brands decreased by 12 per cent in just three months.