U.S. soldiers buying pirated movies has MPAA worried

A newly declassified document released by the United States Central Command indicates the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) asked military officers to crack down on soldiers purchasing pirated goods in Iraq.

The MPAA received its answer — and a reason behind the decision — with Central Command disclosing it isn’t worth the negative impact on local businesses.

“No….banning our troops from visiting these shops would have the unwelcome secondary effect of harming Iraqi entrepreneurs selling legitimate goods,” TorrentFreak learned.

Specifically, soldiers are unable to buy and sell pirated material on U.S. military bases — but will not be prohibited from purchasing these products from local shops.  Furthermore, it seems more plausible that the MPAA and other copyright groups should provide ways for soldiers to access legal content.

It’s not uncommon to find pirated and stolen goods in the markets in Iraq and Afghanistan, but this is the first time a copyright trade group has become involved.

I’ve had Marine friends who were stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan mention they enjoy going to these markets the same way American tourists purchase pirated goods while in China.  It’s the easiest way for them to purchase music and movies that they otherwise don’t have access to — unless the products are sent to them.

TorrentFreak chatted with a “military insider” who noted they’ve sent letters to the MPAA and Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in an effort to get them to provide a fair way for soldiers to receive content while deployed overseas.  When the work day is done for soldiers, they have very little to do to stay entertained – which makes it even more likely they’re going to purchase pirated goods.