MUMBAI: Los Angeles FBI officials have launched a public information campaign on the potential adverse economic impact of the sale of counterfeit movies, music and other goods.
Reports said federal officials released a series of public service announcements (PSAs) with titles such as “The Rip Off” and “Toxic Meds” early this week highlighting the devastating effects of intellectual property theft and cyber bullying.
The PSAs are aimed at making consumers aware of both the health and safety dangers and financial and security costs associated with the illegal theft of proprietary information, according to the FBI.
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New figures suggest the theft of proprietary information can translate to billions in losses to U.S. companies and adversely impact the American economy, and even in some cases, damage national security, the FBI said.
“These crimes can fuel global organised crime, contribute to slave labour, and compromise the creative expressions in the fields of arts and entertainment,” said FBI’s Los Angeles Division assistant director Bill L Lewis.
According to LAPD estimate some pirated movie vendors – who are frequently seen on the streets of downtown LA selling DVDs on a blanket – can earn between $ 20,000 to $ 80,000 per month.
