IPOPHL cited for site blocking mechanism

MANILA, Philippines — US-based Motion Picture Association (MPA) has recognized the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) for establishing the Philippines’ own site-blocking mechanism, a tool seen to better protect the creative economy and create a great consumer shift toward legitimate platforms.

IPOPHL director general Rowel Barba received the MPA award at the Intellectual Property Enforcement Summit (IPES) held last month.

It was handed over by Neil Gane, director for the Asia Pacific Operations of the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment, the content protection operations arm of the MPA.

“The memorandum of understanding signed by all internet service providers (ISPs) along with IPOPHL, as well as the memorandum of agreement signed by IPOPHL and and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), paved the way for the very first voluntary site-blocking process in the Asia Pacific region and only the second of such voluntary process in the world — an incredible achievement,” Gane said, noting there are currently over 40 countries around the world that use website-blocking to counter online piracy.

The MPA is a trade association representing the five major film studios of the United States – namely, Disney, Paramount, Sony, Universal, and Warner Bros. Discovery – as well as the video streaming service Netflix.

The site-blocking mechanism disables access to major sites that provide access to pirated content with the broader goal of migrating consumers away from illegitimate to legitimate ways of consuming content.

Barba said the new rules, set to take effect next month, is the latest proof of the collective efforts of IPOPHL, the NTC, ISPs and anti-piracy advocates in supporting artists to flourish and continue being inspired to create works that shape cultures and boost economies.

“As readers, consumers, and members of our society, we have the power to shape the narrative. By choosing to support genuine works, by rejecting piracy in all its forms and by spreading awareness about its detrimental effects, we can collectively make a difference,” Barba said.

Barba expects a surge in counterfeiting and piracy complaints once the site blocking rules become effective in January.