The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) is a global industry coalition dedicated to combating online piracy and supporting legitimate video content markets.
In a bold step affirming its investment in original programming, Apple TV+ has joined this influential group.
The Motion Picture Association (MPA), founded in 1922 and representing major studios like Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros., laid the groundwork for ACE. Netflix's 2019 entry into the MPA marked a pivotal shift, bridging streaming services with traditional Hollywood.
Launched in 2017 as an MPA initiative, ACE unites leading content creators and on-demand services—including Amazon, Hulu, BBC Studios, and Star India—to protect copyrights and foster legal streaming ecosystems.
Apple has taken a seat on ACE's board of directors, signaling a firm stance against piracy of protected content while doubling down on Apple TV+ originals. This aligns streaming innovators like Apple and Netflix with Hollywood giants.
Highlights from Apple TV+ include acclaimed series like Dickinson, Long Way Up, and Trying. The service is priced at $4.99 per month, with a free year included on eligible Apple product purchases.
Piracy remains a massive issue: DataProt reports over 17 million U.S. users downloaded copyrighted material in 2018 alone. Illicit downloads consume 24% of global bandwidth, and music piracy costs 70,000 U.S. jobs annually.
Industry leaders argue that targeting illegal sites drives viewers to legitimate platforms. Critics counter that new pirate sites quickly emerge, but sustained efforts have proven effective in reducing access to high-profile content.
Piracy harms film, TV, music, and gaming industries alike. Beyond legal consequences, torrenting and unauthorized downloads expose users to malware, phishing, and data theft—real cybersecurity threats from unvetted sources.
