Global Crackdown on Illegal Streaming Network Affects Millions of Users

More than 270 Italian police officers and agents from 14 other countries participated in this vast operation to dismantle this vast network that allowed about 22 million users to have free access to more than 2,500 paid channels, including sports channels. The losses for the rights holders are estimated at 10 billion euros. The searches carried out in 15 Italian regions and in countries such as Croatia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and China led to the seizure of 1.65 million euros in cryptocurrencies, 40,000 euros in cash, and nine servers.

This dismantling could have unfortunate consequences in Africa and mainly in Morocco where illegal IPTV platforms are thriving. Despite the many operations to dismantle illegal streaming networks carried out in the kingdom, this mode of piracy continues to prosper. The reason is that the closure of the servers is generally only short-lived. Quickly, these networks create and operate new platforms in other less monitored regions.

Users of these illegal platforms expose themselves to legal sanctions, but also to security risks, including the theft of personal data. Organizing awareness-raising sessions for the latter could help reduce the use of this illegal service. Similarly, the accessibility of broadcasters’ programs at affordable costs would also be a sustainable solution to this problem. Governments, broadcasters and technology companies in Africa should also work to strengthen their collaboration to better regulate the audiovisual sector and protect consumer rights.