eNews
66pc Indians polled access pirated content, consumer education vital: Irdeto
MUMBAI: A new online consumer survey from Irdeto, the world leader in digital platform security, found that 71% of Indian consumers polled are aware that producing or sharing pirated video content is illegal, and 64% know that streaming or downloading pirated content is illegal. Despite this high level of awareness, 66% of respondents still choose to watch pirated content. However, the survey also found that over half (56%) of Indian consumers who watch pirated content could be convinced to pirate less, or even stop watching, when told that piracy could hinder studio investment and cause a drop in the quality of content. The online research was conducted in partnership with YouGov and polled over 500 Indian adults aged 18+.
The research found that one in three consumers (30%) who watch pirated content in India are most interested in watching movies that are currently being shown in the cinema, followed by TV series (23%), and live sports (13%) and Blu-ray edition of movies (13%). Interestingly, only 6% of consumers who watch pirated content are interested in viewing digital service movies or TV programmes from content providers like Netflix, Hulu, etc. This reflects the state of video consumption in India, which is still rooted in a preference for local content but increasingly demonstrating an appetite for Hollywood content and more regional films.
“India’s OTT market holds huge potential for operators and content providers, especially with the rise of 129 million urban mass consumers who will drive India’s consumer story. Demand for content on any device will only grow – but so will piracy if it is not adequately addressed,” said Irdeto country manager – India Sanjiv Kainth. “Piracy not only damages revenue streams, but also deters content creators from investing in new content. It impacts the creative process and could provide consumers with less choice. It is important that consumers are aware of the long term impact of this behavior, and that content providers have a 360-degree approach to security and anti-piracy that can prevent pirates from stealing additional market share.”
In regard to the most popular devices used to consume pirated video content, Irdeto’s survey found that 48% of Indian consumers who watch pirate content use their laptops and computers most to watch this content while 25% use their smartphones. Streaming sites and devices were among the least popular channels to watch pirated content, standing at 1% each, while smart TVs, Google Chromecast and Android set-top boxes are used by a mere 3-4% of consumers, among those who watch pirated content.
“Pirate businesses will continue to capitalize on increased demand for content, but innovative operators are making headway in the fight against piracy,” said Irdeto vice president of services Rory O’Connor. “Consumer education, a compelling legal video service and a robust security and anti-piracy program are the best ways to mitigate online and streaming piracy. A comprehensive anti-piracy strategy that includes watermarking, detection and enforcement can prevent pirates from stealing market share.”
Methodology
The research was commissioned by Irdeto and conducted online from January 11, 2017 – January 18, 2017 by YouGov. Total sample size was 502 Indian adults (aged 18+). The figures have been weighted and are representative of the urban population of adults in India (aged 18+).
eNews
Swiggy sees record orders during India vs New Zealand T20 final
Chicken biryani tops match-day menu as fans order 7,500 times per minute at peak.
MUMBAI: India’s T20 final didn’t just break stumps, it broke Swiggy’s delivery records, proving cricket fans celebrate victories with plates, not just flags. Swiggy, India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, reported a sharp spike in food orders during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand. On 8 March 2026, overall orders rose 23.2 per cent year-on-year compared with the same date in 2025, driven by fans turning living rooms into mini stadiums complete with match-day feasts.
Key highlights from the evening:
- Orders during peak match hours (7–10 pm) were 2.1 times higher than pre-match levels.
- The highest order rate hit 7,500 orders per minute at 19:45.
- Chicken biryani reigned supreme as the most-ordered dish, followed by masala dosa, chicken fried rice, garlic breadsticks and paneer butter masala.
While metros such as Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad led volumes, the cricketing fever spread nationwide. Among emerging cities, Thiruvananthapuram, Surat and Rajkot recorded the strongest order growth. Smaller markets including Shillong, Agartala and Port Blair also showed significant appetite, underlining the expanding footprint of quick-commerce food delivery across India.
The surge reflects a growing trend of pairing major sporting events with doorstep delivery, turning big matches into shared, convenient celebrations. In a night where every boundary mattered, Swiggy proved the real MVP might just be the delivery partner who kept the snacks and the vibes flowing without missing a single wicket.
