Business Software Alliance (BSA), the leading global organisation established by the business software industry to promote a safe and legal digital world, joined Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry in publicly destroying thousands of pirated CDs.

The move emphasises the Kuwaiti government’s aggressive stance towards anti-piracy as it seeks to establish itself as a secure international IT investment destination.

Disposed of in the presence of authorities, concerned parties, and media, the illegal materials were confiscated after a series of raids across Kuwait intended to show profiteers and criminals of the seriousness and scope of the government’s anti-piracy campaign. Kuwait government has been coordinating with BSA for various public and corporate awareness programs and a strategic advertising and media campaign agreement with BSA.

“Today’s activity sends the strong message that the Kuwaiti government will not tolerate any and all violations against intellectual property rights. Besides economic damages, software piracy has various negative social effects which we simply cannot allow. Violating IT resellers can be sure of even more aggressive efforts on our part as we strive to transform Kuwait into a piracy-free environment,” said IPR manager, Kuwait, Rasha Al-Sabah.

Kuwait had previously signed a memorandum of understanding with BSA on the launch of a broad advertising and media campaign aimed at reinforcing the country’s enhanced anti-piracy program.

The agreement includes the promotion of Kuwait as an important regional and international IT business destination and raised public awareness on the importance of protecting intellectual property rights (IPR) laws.

“The global anti-piracy movement is a collaborative effort that requires strong commitment from both the private and public sectors. We commend Kuwait for responding positively to our call for a unified, aggressive front against software piracy and other activities that compromise individual and organizational IP rights. We will continue to urge other countries in the region to follow Kuwait’s example in fighting profiteers and counterfeiters,” said co-chairman, BSA, Jawad Al Redha.

BSA has been leading global efforts against cyber criminality through initiatives that focus on educating consumers and providing much-needed assistance in conducting anti-piracy enforcement activities.

Established in 1988, BSA has programs in more than 80 countries worldwide, including the Middle East which has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing IT market. – TradeArabia News Service