Fines for users of pirated IPTV

Number of injunctions issued against pirate TV hits record high

Greece first introduced domain blocking measures in 2018, with enforcement carried out by the Hellenic Copyright Organisation (EDPPI), under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Sport. Over the years, the application of these measures has increased:

2018–2021: 38 blocking orders

2022: 62 orders

2023: 89 orders

2024: 124 new blocking orders

The latest wave targeted 810 IP addresses and 49 domains, focusing primarily on live sports broadcasts. This approach highlights a shift towards blocking streaming servers rather than traditional websites.

Introduction of fines for users of pirated IPTV

Greek MPs have approved an amendment providing for financial penalties to be imposed on people who subscribe to illegal IPTV services. Under the new law:

Home users may be fined up to €700.

The public display of illegal streams may result in fines of €1,500.

Commercial use of pirated IPTV services may result in fines of up to €5,000.

Furthermore, repeat offenders will be subject to double fines. These penalties are intended to complement existing blocking measures, making piracy a riskier option for consumers.

Challenges in the imposition of fines

Although the threat of fines may deter some users, enforcing penalties is complicated. The authorities would need access to subscriber data, which could require the cooperation of illegal IPTV providers or payment processors – a difficult, uncertain and unethical process.

Without a clear strategy for gathering information on users, the effectiveness of fines remains uncertain. Previous studies suggest that threats alone do not lead users to opt for legal streaming services. Instead, offering affordable alternatives has proven more effective.

Furthermore, how is a consumer supposed to know whether a live TV service is illegal or not? That is the big question, and it is not fair to punish a user if they have absolutely no idea what they are accessing.

It does not help either when popular sources such as Reddit are recommending illegal IPTV services to beginners.

A shift towards more aggressive policies

Greece’s latest measures mark a tougher stance against IPTV piracy, setting a precedent for other countries. As the US considers similar blocking regulations, Greece’s approach is likely to be closely watched.

Although the effectiveness of the fines imposed on subscribers remains uncertain, these actions highlight an evolving battle between rights holders and illegal streaming providers.

For more information on this story, see the Greek Government Gazette and the TorrentFreak report.

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