On November 28, 2024, a large-scale operation coordinated by the Italian law enforcementwith the support ofEuropol and Chinese authoritiesmarked a major turning point in the fight against digital piracy. This initiative, which mobilized more than 270 agents in Italy and involved 14 other countries, dismantled an international network of illegal streaming. The network allowed around 22 million users to access paid audiovisual content for free, causing losses estimated at 10 billion euros for rights holders.
An operation with global reach
The searches affected 15 regions in Italy and servers in countries including Croatia, The Netherlandsthe United Kingdomthe Chineand even Hong Kong. Impressive seizures were made: 1.65 million euros in cryptocurrencies40,000 euros in cash, and nine servers containing massive databases. These actions, coordinated at an international level, demonstrate the scale of this illegal market which operated more than 2,500 channels, including live sporting events and recent films.
If this operation aims above all to protect the rights of creators and to limit financial losses, its repercussions could go beyond European and Asian borders to reach other regions of the globe, notably Africa.
A growing threat in Africa and Morocco
In Africa, platforms illegal IPTV have gained popularity, particularly due to the often prohibitive cost of legal subscriptions and the limited availability of certain audiovisual content. Countries like Morocco have not been spared. In 2021, the closure of the platform Electro TV Satwhich allowed fraudulent access to thousands of channels and films, had already marked a significant step in this fight. This intervention, led by l’Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), already underlined the importance of concerted action to reduce the impact of these illicit services.
In Sub-Saharan Africawhere the digital penetration rate is growing rapidly, platforms Illegal IPTV continue to prosper. Local broadcasters, often weakened by an already complex market, must redouble their efforts to protect their content. Some companies are collaborating with cybersecurity experts, but these initiatives remain fragmented.
The Morocco is also concerned by this scourge of piracy of television channels, particularly sports ones which appeal to the majority of Moroccans. Note that numerous operations to dismantle networks specializing in this illegal service have been carried out in the kingdom to fight against this mode of piracy.
Mixed impacts for African users
Shutting down international servers targeted in this operation could lead to a decrease in illegal IPTV services in Africa, but only in the short term. Piracy adapts quickly: new platforms emerge, operating servers in other, less monitored regions. Nevertheless, thepsychological impact and dissuasiveness of such dismantling should not be underestimated. It could encourage more users to think about the risks involved, not only in legal terms, but also in terms of IT security.
Essential awareness
Beyond sanctions, one of the main challenges lies in user awareness. Many Africans who use these services are often unaware of the legal and ethical consequences of their actions. Using illegal platforms also exposes users to security risks, including theft of personal data or infection with malware.
Promoting legal, accessible and affordable alternatives constitutes a sustainable solution. The example of certain broadcasters, who have adopted economic models adapted to local realities, could inspire other players. For example, partnerships between large international platforms and African companies have made it possible to offer subscriptions at reduced prices, thus opening a path towards fairer consumption.
Essential international cooperation
The operation carried out on November 28 illustrates the effectiveness of international cooperation in the fight against digital piracy. In Africa, this approach could be strengthened by closer collaboration between governments, broadcasters and technology companies. The implementation of stricter laws and their effective enforcement remain crucial challenges.
At a time when the audiovisual industry is rapidly transforming, it is vital to find a balance between protecting rights holders and democratizing access to content. To achieve this, innovative and inclusive solutions must be considered, allowing users to choose legal offers while supporting the creation and production of content.
Understanding the risks of illegal IPTV
The use of illegal IPTV services does not only harm rights holders. Users themselves take significant risks. Illegal platforms may demand sensitive information like banking details, which are sometimes sold on the dark web. Additionally, the lack of data protection exposes users to cyberattacks and financial fraud. These dangers highlight the importance of favoring legal and secure options.
