One of the most popular sources of entertainment in the Philippines is streaming videos online. However, many people think that everything available online is legal. Piracy is a huge problem and something that cannot be solved easily. Moreover, it exposes viewers to dangers like viruses, malware, identity theft, and affects the livelihood of those producing and starring in films and TV shows. Even more dangerous, illegal sites also carry child pornography content.
Globe has launched #PlayItRight, an advocacy to educate Filipinos to download or stream content from legitimate sources only, and to share the dangers of streaming or downloading from illegal websites.
Here are five ways to know if a site is streaming or distributing illegally:
- It has a lot of dubious-looking ads
One of the hallmarks of an illegal streaming website is the number of ads that appear as pop ups. Oftentimes, viewers will have to go through several of the popups before they can even watch the promised content. This is dangerous because they may contain malware that can steal private information like passwords, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers.
- The content has low quality
Content quality is usually low, with choppy or poor resolution, inaudible audio, or mixed-up subtitles. Some are even recordings at a cinema! Because these streaming websites obtained the movies illegally, their copies are inferior. Another sign that a film was stolen: the copy has a visible watermark that says it’s not for distribution.
- You need to buffer a lot, even if your internet speed is fast
A fast and reliable internet connection doesn’t mean the viewer can watch from illegal streaming sites smoothly. These websites are not meant for content delivery so viewers will experience lag and buffering, especially if many viewers access the site at the same time. Legitimate streaming sites work with telcos to make sure that viewers get the best experience when watching content.
- There’s no contact information
Websites normally have a “Contact Us” page where users can reach the administrators should they encounter a problem. A site with no such page is suspicious because it means they have something to hide. Illegal sources don’t want to get caught illegally streaming and distributing copyrighted content so they don’t put their contact information to avoid legal repercussions.
- Movies currently showing in cinemas are already available online
The telltale sign of a site distributing illegal content is that movies still being screened in cinemas are already available in the site. Film studios rarely grant immediate distribution to films that are still in theaters, so sites peddling these are questionable and most likely acquired illegally.
Protect yourself from the dangers of illegal streaming and support the film and TV industry, make sure to #PlayItRight. Globe offers affordable access to legitimate content through international partners like Netflix, Disney, HOOQ, FOX+, and Viu.
To know more about how to subscribe to these streaming platforms, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/content. To report websites containing child pornography, you may submit a report to the Interagency Council Against Child Pornography through info@iacacp.gov.ph.
Handyman adapts GCash cashless payment system
Filipino homeowners, project planners and builders who have been shopping hardware and home improvement needs at Handyman will now have the power to pay their purchases at their fingertips, as GCash scan-to-pay system becomes available in all Handyman branches nationwide.
As the move for nationwide cashless ecosystem continues, Handyman will now implement the cashless payment scheme by the end of March to those who have GCash as part of the strengthened partnership with Mynt.
“At Globe, we are very happy that Handyman will implement the QR scan-to-pay system of GCash. This nationwide rollout is a testament to the increasing interest of the public in using their smartphones as an alternative and convenient way to pay purchases over the counter. No more cash, no need for change,” said Anthony Thomas, chief executive officer of Mynt.
Handyman, a subsidiary of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc, opened its first store in Robinsons Galleria in July 1994. In 2001, Handyman became a member of the Do It Best Corporation which is one of the biggest hardware cooperatives in the United States. The membership became an advantage for Filipinos as Handyman brought thousands of affordable, high quality imported products to the Philippine market.
“Our aim at Handyman is to make our do-it-yourselfer and homemaker customers happy not only with their purchase but also while shopping. With G-cash as an additional option for payment in our stores, transactions will now be faster and safer for them.” said Stanley Co, general manager of Handyman.
With the increase in smartphone usage in the country and its customer base, GCash continues to make its mark as the preferred e-payment system for Filipinos.
New subscribers may have access to the GCash scan-to-pay by downloading the latest version of the GCash app to their iPhone or Android smartphone. Once the app is installed, customers can create an account and fund it through the GCash wallet that can be loaded at any of over 12,000 GCash Partner Outlets nationwide. GCash partner outlets include Robinsons Business Centers and 7-eleven branches.
Once the e-wallet is funded, a customer only needs to tap the Scan QR and point the phone at the merchant’s QR code. After recognizing the QR code, one would only need to tap pay. GCash also gives its users and customers security and transparency as all purchases can be viewed on the App. GCash is operated by Mynt, which is owned by Globe Telecom, Ant Financial and Ayala Corp.
