Middle East Faces Persistent Piracy Challenges Amid Economic and Structural Barriers

In regions like Syria and Lebanon, economic instability and sanctions have made digital payments challenging, pushing many young people towards piracy as a primary means of accessing cultural content. In these areas, piracy, VPNs, Telegram channels, and shared drives are not merely alternative methods but the default for consuming media. Despite the illegality of piracy in countries with established intellectual property laws, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, the lack of access to legitimate streaming services due to financial constraints and sanctions has made piracy a necessity for many.

For instance, in Lebanon, the financial crisis that began in 2019 has severely restricted access to international payments, making it difficult for residents to pay for streaming subscriptions. Similarly, in Syria, U.S. sanctions have prevented many international platforms from operating, leaving residents to rely on VPNs or direct downloads to access content. In Egypt, pirated content is quickly disseminated through platforms like Telegram, where new episodes of shows are shared within hours of release.

The economic conditions in the region, including currency devaluations, have further exacerbated the affordability of foreign streaming services, which are typically priced in dollars. Young consumers, while aware of the importance of supporting creators, often find themselves with no choice but to resort to piracy when official channels are inaccessible.

Jean-Pierre Andreaux from StarzPlay highlights that user experience is crucial in determining where audiences choose to watch content. The sophistication of piracy operations has increased, with services mimicking legitimate streaming platforms. Market analysis indicates that around 23 percent of users in the region still access pirate IPTV services, driven by the need for reliability, privacy, and security.

Abed Kataya from SMEX explains that piracy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is less about cultural choice and more about structural barriers. The perception that online content is free, combined with the lack of local platforms and payment options, drives users towards illegal streaming. Many people in the region are unbanked or distrust online payments, further complicating access to legitimate services.

Despite these challenges, streaming platforms are adapting. StarzPlay has introduced flexible subscription models and alternative payment methods to reduce payment friction. International media companies are also collaborating to combat piracy through the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment, which includes major global and regional players.

While legitimate streaming platforms are expanding, with services like Shahid and Netflix offering region-specific packages, the structural barriers remain significant. For many viewers in North Africa and the Levant, the issue is not just about choosing between piracy and legality but whether legitimate access is available at all.