Italy to Fine IPTV Users Up to 5,000 Euros for Illegal Streaming

Italy plans to impose fines up to 5,000 euros for illegal IPTV streaming. New regulations require VPN and DNS providers to disclose user information. The existing Piracy Shield allows for rapid removal of illegal streams but has seen no penalties imposed so far.

Italy is set to enforce stricter laws against illegal IPTV streams, which allow users to watch television channels via the internet, often without proper payment. The government plans to amend an existing law to impose fines of up to 5,000 euros on users who access these illicit streams, and to require VPN and DNS providers to disclose the IP addresses of offenders. Although an anti-piracy framework called Piracy Shield has been operating since February 2024, no users have yet been penalized. The regulations will facilitate quicker removal of illegal streams and strengthen the government’s ability to penalize users engaged in piracy.

The Italian government is intensifying efforts to counter online piracy, particularly focusing on IPTV services that broadcast content illegally. IPTV enables streaming of video content and has gained popularity among internet users, leading to significant revenue losses in legitimate broadcasting. Past laws have struggled to deter users or service providers from engaging in illegal streaming, prompting the need for stronger regulations to protect content creators and distributors.

Italy is taking decisive action to combat illegal IPTV usage by increasing potential fines and enhancing the responsibilities of service providers. This move aims to better enforce copyright laws and curb piracy in the digital content space, reflecting a broader trend towards stricter regulations in Europe.

Original Source: www.ouest-france.fr