IPTV: Real-time IP Blocking Targets Pirate Services in France

A major threat is looming for everyone who uses pirate services.

As promised, a formidable new weapon against IPTV is being rolled out in France during the World Cup. If you have not yet heard about it, it involves real-time blocking of the IP addresses used by pirated broadcasts. The system is being deployed throughout the tournament and for tonight’s France-Sweden match.

In practical terms, servers behind illegal IPTV services and pirate streaming websites will be taken offline immediately. Broadcasters M6 and beIN Sports, internet service providers and the French audiovisual and digital communications regulator Arcom are now trialling this new tool.

Rights holders will first focus on identifying pirate services. ISPs will then be required to block the relevant IP address at their request, while Arcom will oversee the entire arrangement.

Quoted by Radio France, Arcom deputy director general Pauline Combredet-Blassel described the new system as follows: “The benefit of IP blocking is that it targets the servers. Once you reach the source, it becomes much more difficult to create new platforms.” In her view, although it is fairly easy to create “as many internet addresses as you want, once the servers are no longer accessible, it is still harder to replicate.”

beIN Sports calls for broader IPTV blocking

beIN appears to welcome these measures, although it would like them to go further. Sarah D’Arifat, the channel’s legal director, highlighted the gap with Spain: “Today, in Spain, they block 10,000 pirate service addresses during a single matchday. That is what we block in France in a year.”

beIN is therefore calling for an automated blocking system that would not require human involvement. French lawmakers appear fairly open to the proposal, with a bill due to be considered by the National Assembly in three weeks’ time.

Could these blocks create risks?

While the idea may appeal to rights holders, it is not without danger. The same server can host illegal websites alongside entirely lawful services that are essential for citizens. Last year, we examined the issues encountered in Spain, which adopted the same approach. The measure has indeed unintentionally affected many legitimate websites and platforms hosted by the provider concerned.

Concerns over unjustified website shutdowns

A growing number of businesses and users are protesting against what they describe as unjustified disruptions that undermine certain fundamental rights. Speaking to El Pais, Ofelia Tejerina, lawyer and president of the Association of Internet Users, was unequivocal: “It affects freedom of information, freedom of expression, freedom of enterprise.” More details are available in our previous article here.