IFPI Welcomes Launch of Operation LUMEN to Disrupt Pirate Sites and Protect Music Fans Across Latin America

~International initiative sees authorities in five countries target more than 300 domains linked to stream ripping and malware distribution~

23 September 2026, London - IFPI, the organisation representing the recording industry worldwide, has welcomed the launch of Operation LUMEN, a coordinated international enforcement initiative bringing together authorities in five Latin American countries to disrupt access to hundreds of domains involved in copyright infringement and malware distribution.

Taking place on 23 September 2026, Operation LUMEN is a regional enforcement initiative conceived and led by Peru's INDECOPI, bringing together authorities from Peru, Paraguay, Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Ecuador in a coordinated site-blocking campaign targeting more than 300 domains associated with stream ripping and malware distribution activities. The operation is carried out with the participation of national authorities including Paraguay's DINAPI, Brazil's CyberGaeco and ANCINE, the Dominican Republic's ONDA and Ecuador's SENADI.

As part of the operation, internet service providers in participating countries will block access to identified domains, helping to reduce consumer exposure to copyright-infringing services and malicious online activity. The scale of the operation reflects the significant reach and risks associated with the targeted websites. Collectively, the identified domains attracted an average of 15 million visits per month over the last year and reached more than 5.4 million unique visitors during the same period. Analysis further revealed that 44 of the 317 targeted sites were associated with malware distribution or other malicious activities, affecting more than 4.7 million users and highlighting the close link between copyright infringement and broader online security threats. By disrupting access to these services, Operation LUMEN helps reduce the exposure of millions of users across Latin America, extending the benefits of the initiative beyond the countries directly participating in the operation.

A study carried out last year by IFPI into website blocking demonstrated that regular and well-targeted blocking actions can be an effective tool in reducing traffic to illegal sites and helping to steer users towards licensed music services. The study found that consistent blocking of infringing sites caused a 15 to 50% increase in visits to licensed music services such as Spotify and Amazon Music and a 3 to 8% increase in visits to paid new account or upgrade pages. The findings underline the importance of coordinated enforcement action such as Operation LUMEN, particularly where infringing services also expose consumers to wider online harms including malware and other cybersecurity risks.

Commenting on the operation, Victoria Oakley, CEO, IFPI said:

"Operation LUMEN shows what can be achieved when authorities work together across borders to tackle threats like piracy. IFPI's study confirmed that website blocking can be an effective and proportionate tool in disrupting access to illegal services, including by helping to drive users towards licensed services and paid subscription pages,and this coordinated action will help disrupt hundreds of infringing and harmful sites. We commend the leadership and cooperation of the authorities participating - this initiative will help protect artists and fans while supporting a healthier digital marketplace for music."

The operation builds on longstanding cooperation between IFPI and enforcement authorities throughout the region and reflects an increasing recognition - supported by IFPI's own website blocking study - of the effectiveness of site blocking and other disruption measures in reducing access to infringing content. It also demonstrates the increasing commitment of authorities across the region to working together to combat online piracy and protect music fans.

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About IFPI

IFPI is the voice of the recording industry worldwide. IFPI's mission is to promote the value of recorded music, campaign for the rights of record producers and expand the commercial uses of recorded music worldwide.

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