IPOPHL asks ISPs to block streaming sites for ‘piracy’
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has asked internet service providers (ISPs) to block more than 10 websites that allegedly stream Filipino films illegally.
The IPOPHL made these requests following complaints from entertainment company Viva Communications Inc. and its streaming platform Vivamax.
The first request sought the blocking of 13 FREECINE-related sites. These include freecineplus.com, freecine.ph, freecineph.com, freecine.com.co and freecine.site.
A second request was filed against ASYAMINIK (asyaminik.com).
According to the complaints, FREECINE has been illegally distributing its copyrighted titles through its mobile app without any license or authorization. These include “Bedspace,” “Dilig” and “Room Service.”
Viva also said in its filing that its shows, such as “Chasing in the Wild,” “Safe Skies Archer,” “The Rain in España” and “Avenues of the Diamond,” are illegally shown on the ASYAMINIK site.
“The FREECINE application contains unauthorized copies of cinematographic works, including those owned by them and allows users to stream or download these for free,” the complaint read.
“The content was illegally made available for viewing to the public via online streaming within the pages of ASYAMINIK and full copies of the content could be downloaded within ASYAMINIK for later or offline viewing,” it said.
The company said these acts are an infringement of Viva’s copyright and other intellectual property rights.
The IPOPHL lodge the requests per the agency’s Memorandum Circular No. 2023-025 or the Rules on Voluntary Administrative Site Blocking.
The memo states that an ISP should implement an effective mechanism to block access to a pirate website within 48 hours upon receipt of the site-blocking request.
It defined a pirate website as any site that features or facilitates copyright infringement, or that contains goods, materials or contents distributed without the consent of the copyright owner, right holder or those authorized by the right holder.
