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DUBAI: MBC Group, one of the leading media companies in the Middle East and North Africa region, has joined the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment, a global content protection coalition.

“Protecting our content is of critical commercial importance for us and, as the leading streamer in the region, this has become a significant component to our success,” said Natasha Hemingway, chief commercial and marketing officer at Shahid, MBC Group.

Hundreds of websites pirate MBC Group content daily, including Arabic-language and locally produced films, series and programs, as well as international content, including English-language titles from North America, anime and Korean series, according to the company.

Pirates commonly aggregate content from multiple pay-TV operators and subscription video-on-demand platforms in the region through so-called “IPTV” offerings that can cost as little as $15 annually.

Moreover, social media has made piracy even more widespread with many full-length titles being shared on platforms such as Telegram.

“The addition of MBC GROUP to ACE demonstrates the value of continuing to build our membership base and network in key local regions,” said Charles Rivkin, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association and chairman of ACE.

“Together we will strengthen our global network and expand the resources and expertise needed to tackle the serious threat piracy poses to media and entertainment companies all over the world,” he added.

Earlier this year, ACE took down four illegal piracy operations in Egypt in coordination with beIN Sports, which joined the coalition in April.

Last year, the coalition shut down the popular, illegal streaming services Electro TV Sat in Morocco and 123movies.la in Tunisia.

In 2020, ACE shuttered Algeria-based IPTV subscription service Akfasat, which provided access to over 3,500 live channels and over 26,000 movies and TV shows.

ACE is supported by a network of experts operating in high-tech investigations and law enforcement. It also partners with local governments and law enforcement agencies around the world and international organizations like Interpol and Europol to take on the full supply chain of pirated content.

Now in its sixth year, ACE has consistently grown its global membership base. The coalition is now comprised of 41 members, including MBC Group.