PAP Kenya lauds shutdown of illegal ISPs

Partners Against Piracy (PAP) Kenya said the actions of the ISPs, identified as Kozi TV and Wavelink Network, were detrimental to the Kenyan economy for infringing on copyrighted content. It is reported that the operators were transmitting premium content to about 6 000 customers illegally.

During the operation, two suspects were arrested and equipment, including computers and phones, was seized and forwarded to the police’s cybercrime unit for further processing.

“These actions were aimed at curbing the illegal provision of content to thousands of subscribers,” PAP Kenya chairperson Mike Strano said. “Copyright infringement has a negative impact on the creative industry and the larger economy. These operations emphasise efforts by PAP on the other players to eliminate the vice.

“By providing unauthorised access to premier content, these ISPs have not only violated intellectual property rights but have also undercut legitimate businesses that rely on revenue from legal distribution channels. This undermines the development of a healthy digital market, drives away investment and diminishes the growth prospects of technology and entertainment sectors.”

The latest development follows another successful operation in Eldoret in April where the authorities shut down a business offering illegal streaming content.

PAP says that beyond the immediate economic consequences, these events highlight a troubling trend marked by proliferation of cybercrime in Kenya.

Strano added: “The illegal actions of these ISPs undermine the legal framework and social trust, and can lead to a general perception of lawlessness within the digital space. This week’s actions mark a significant step towards protecting the integrity of the creative industry, the economic prosperity of Kenya, and upholding the rule of law.

“The actions are a firm step towards upholding the integrity of the creative industry, the economic prosperity of Kenya, and the rule of law within our digital borders. Further measures will be pursued to ensure that all players within the digital ecosystem operate within the bounds of the law.”

PAP is a multi-sectoral coalition of local and international associations, societies and companies representing the intellectual property interests of thousands of creatives. It says piracy in Kenya amounts to losses of about Ksh250m ($1.7m) per day.