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17th March 2026

The 2026 Industry Survey: Insights into The State of Piracy

As the streaming landscape becomes increasingly fragmented and AI-driven threats evolve, how is the media and entertainment industry adapting its defence?

Friend MTS is proud to sponsor the 2026 decodeTV Industry Survey: Will Piracy Kill Video? This comprehensive report collates fresh insights and strategic feedback from global industry leaders to map out the current state of piracy and discusses the most effective ways to fight back.

The consensus on content security

The fight against piracy has shifted. It is no longer just about detection; it is about a holistic strategy that balances technical enforcement with market reality. This survey uncovers what rightsholders and distributors truly think about the tools and tactics defining our industry today.

Key areas of anti-piracy explored in the report:

Strategic collaboration:

Discover why 35.9% of industry leaders view improved collaboration between rightsholders and law enforcement as the single most effective anti-piracy tool.


AI impact:

Gain insights into how AI is reshaping the landscape, with 43.6% of experts identifying AI-driven internet pattern monitoring as a high-impact solution for identifying pirate hotspots.


Essential protection:

Understand why nearly 80% of professionals think that DRM and watermarking as the preventive backbone of content security.


Enforcement & blocking:

Evaluate the effectiveness of dynamic server blocking and the industry’s push for more streamlined, maximum-extent applications.


Market incentives:

Explore the consensus that realistic pricing and super-aggregation are essential methods to drive consumers toward legitimate services.

Securing the Future of Video

The 2026 decodeTV Industry Survey makes one thing clear: no single tool can solve the piracy challenge in isolation. The path forward requires a unified approach that combines technical excellence with industry-wide collaboration and market-driven incentives. 

At Friend MTS, we don't just provide security; we provide the foundation for sustainable growth. By neutralising illicit competition and protecting the integrity of your content, we ensure your revenue remains secure in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Ready to stay ahead of piracy?

Gain the full perspective on how your peers are evolving their defences. Download the complete report for the data, expert analysis, and strategic roadmap needed to protect your premium video assets.

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