IFPI has welcomed the launch of Operation LUMEN, a coordinated Latin American enforcement initiative to disrupt access to hundreds of domains involved in copyright infringement and malware distribution.
Operation LUMEN is a regional enforcement initiative conceived and led by Peru's INDECOPI, bringing together authorities from Peru, Paraguay, Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Ecuador in a coordinated site-blocking campaign targeting more than 300 domains associated with stream ripping and malware distribution activities.
The operation is carried out with the participation of national authorities including Paraguay's DINAPI, Brazil's CyberGaeco and ANCINE, the Dominican Republic's ONDA and Ecuador's SENADI.
As part of the operation, internet service providers in participating countries will block access to identified domains, helping to reduce consumer exposure to copyright-infringing services and malicious online activity.
Collectively, the identified domains attracted an average of 15 million visits per month over the last year and reached more than 5.4 million unique visitors during the same period. Analysis further revealed that 44 of the 317 targeted sites were associated with malware distribution or other malicious activities.
“By disrupting access to these services, Operation LUMEN helps reduce the exposure of millions of users across Latin America, extending the benefits of the initiative beyond the countries directly participating in the operation,” said a statement.
We commend the leadership and cooperation of the authorities participating – this initiative will help protect artists and fans while supporting a healthier digital marketplace for music
Victoria Oakley
A study carried out last year by IFPI found that consistent blocking of infringing sites caused a 15% to 50% increase in visits to licensed music services such as Spotify and Amazon Music, and a 3% to 8% increase in visits to paid new account or upgrade pages.
“The findings underline the importance of coordinated enforcement action such as Operation LUMEN, particularly where infringing services also expose consumers to wider online harms including malware and other cybersecurity risks,” added the statement.
Victoria Oakley, CEO, IFPI, said: “Operation LUMEN shows what can be achieved when authorities work together across borders to tackle threats like piracy. IFPI’s study confirmed that website blocking can be an effective and proportionate tool in disrupting access to illegal services, including by helping to drive users towards licensed services and paid subscription pages,and this coordinated action will help disrupt hundreds of infringing and harmful sites. We commend the leadership and cooperation of the authorities participating – this initiative will help protect artists and fans while supporting a healthier digital marketplace for music.”
The operation builds on longstanding cooperation between IFPI and enforcement authorities throughout the region.
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