“Take Down 1000 Pirate Sites”: US Homeland Security Working With Africa To Fight Streaming Piracy

By Ross Moyo

As US-African artist collaborations grow, so does cross-border piracy.

Kamal Monsari, representing Algeria journalists and creatives asked about “legal mechanisms to protect digital copyright for cross-border collaborations.”

Hiner responded in kind: “Ratify the WCT and WPPT. That brings us into the digital age. We’re also supporting enforcement across borders. Homeland Security Investigations recently took down 1000 infringing pirate sites during the World Cup.”

She linked piracy revenue directly to organized crime and said cross-agency collaboration is critical.

The Algerian participated in yesterday’s digital press briefing with Katherine Hiner of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Ms. Hiner spoke about the IP for Growth initiative and the role of intellectual property protection in supporting Africa’s creative economy. Hiner demonstrated how intellectual property serves as a main driver for growth laying the foundation for creativity, investment, and economic opportunity for the whole of Africa and beyond.