State cyber crime unit feted for fighting piracy

In recognition of its efforts to protect online content owners, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce honoured the Maharashtra Cyber Digital Crime Unit (MCDCU) with the 2019 Global Intellectual Property Champion Award on Monday evening.

Established in August 2017, the MCDCU has taken down 235 websites hosting pirated content, resulting in savings to the tune of Rs. 120 crore or approximately $17 million for content creators. MCDCU is South Asia’s first public-private initiative to combat digital piracy.

Special Inspector General of Police Brijesh Singh, Maharashtra Cyber, and head of the MCDCU said, “The State of Maharashtra considers cyber security important. We came up with a unique model wherein the MCDCU collaborated with industry. We had industrial representatives working in our office and this public-private partnership facilitated learning on both sides. This model has proven to be hugely successful.”