The Head of Service of Outreach and Knowledge at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), Claire Castel, has issued a stark warning about the dangers associated with using illegal platforms and counterfeit goods. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Castel highlighted the economic and security risks posed by piracy and counterfeit operations, which fund organised crime and expose consumers to identity theft, viruses, and financial scams.

Castel emphasised the necessity of public awareness in combating intellectual property (IP) infringement. She pointed out that, despite improvements in the availability of legal platforms since the early 2000s, illegal streaming and counterfeit products continue to undermine legitimate businesses and sports organisations by diverting necessary funding and revenues. These illegal activities not only jeopardise the financial stability of these entities but also endanger consumers by offering substandard products that fail to meet safety and health standards.

To mitigate these risks, Castel advised consumers to verify the authenticity of websites by looking for HTTPS in the URL, checking for clear contact information, reading reviews on trusted platforms, and ensuring the presence of legal disclaimers and privacy policies. She also recommended the EU’s agorateka portal, which lists over 4500 legal content sources, as a resource for distinguishing between legitimate and pirated digital content.

Addressing the cost-driven motivations behind the consumption of counterfeit goods and pirated content, Castel acknowledged that affordability and accessibility are significant factors. However, she urged consumers to consider the hidden costs of such choices, including health and safety risks, cybersecurity threats, and the support of organised crime. Castel called for a continued European-wide approach to tackling IP crime, supported by the EU policy cycle and member states’ participation.

This comprehensive strategy underscores the need for collective action and consumer vigilance to safeguard economic interests and public safety against the pervasive threat of illegal platforms and counterfeit operations. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too must the measures to protect intellectual property and ensure a secure online environment for all.