IPTV, or Internet Protocol Television, is rapidly gaining popularity in France, particularly for its role in accessing sports events at lower costs, often through illegal channels. While legitimate IPTV services are thriving, the rise of illegal options has led to an estimated 800,000 users seeking pirated content monthly, driven by high subscription prices. This trend poses significant financial losses for broadcasters and sparks an ongoing struggle between regulatory bodies and piracy.
IPTV is experiencing significant growth in France, and it’s easy to see why. This technology enables viewers to enjoy high-profile sports events at a fraction of the price, albeit through illegal means.
But is IPTV limited to just that? What exactly do those four letters stand for? How do individuals gain access to content without paying, and what measures are in place for authorities to track down these pirates and their providers? Lastly, what are the potential consequences of accessing sporting events through illegal IPTV services?
Understanding IPTV
IPTV, which stands for “Internet Protocol Television,” refers to the delivery of television programming over the Internet rather than through traditional satellite antennas. The “IP” in IPTV denotes Internet Protocol, a crucial component of the online network. When we mention an IP address, we are referring to this protocol.
Importantly, IPTV itself is not illegal. There are numerous legitimate applications of IPTV, such as streaming movies or TV series from subscription-based video-on-demand services. Additionally, using platforms like Molotov for live or replay TV services is also legal.
In fact, as of 2023, IPTV has become the primary means of accessing television in France, accounting for 69.1% of viewership, surpassing digital terrestrial television (DTT). The trend leans towards more viewers opting for TV boxes or decoders, with varying levels of quality among different devices.
This shift includes all operator applications like SFR TV, OQEE by Free, B.tv, and Orange TV, alongside major streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.
This year, searches for “IPTV” have reached unprecedented levels on Google (as reported by Google Trends). However, it’s essential to interpret these searches carefully. Many users may not be looking for legitimate TV options but rather seeking ways to access pirated content, particularly sports events.
The Mechanics of Illegal IPTV
While the concept of IPTV is legal, certain applications can cross into illegal territory. This primarily involves accessing content for which broadcasting rights have not been secured. Various Android applications, TV decoders, and services provide IPTV options that enable viewers to watch movies, series, and sports events through questionable methods.
Illegal IPTV is particularly prevalent in the realm of “sports piracy,” where unauthorized retransmission of sporting events occurs—even if users pay a fee. This includes popular events like Ligue 1, Formula 1, and boxing. The situation is especially pronounced in football, given the introduction of DAZN in France, which has not been well received by fans.
Rising Popularity Among French Viewers
The complexities surrounding television rights for the French championship have made the landscape quite challenging, especially with multiple broadcasters involved. The new DAZN service, with its initial subscription price of 39.99 euros per month (now reduced to 19.99 euros), has led many Ligue 1 fans to seek illegal alternatives. As reported by France Info, approximately 800,000 individuals are utilizing these illicit systems each month, attracted by significantly lower prices—ranging between 30 and 100 euros annually—compared to legal subscriptions. For Champions League coverage, viewers generally need to subscribe to Canal+ at 29.99 euros per month.
According to a survey by Odoxa, around 2.5 million French citizens (about 5% of the population) are reportedly watching football illegally. Moreover, there seems to be a level of social acceptance for this behavior, with six out of ten French people understanding the choice to do so. The average amount many are willing to pay sits at 23 euros per month, which falls well below DAZN’s pricing.
Furthermore, 65% of respondents believe that broadcasters’ offerings inadvertently promote illegal viewing of the French championship. Criticism has also been directed at the quality of programming available, deemed lacking relative to subscription costs. The president of Arcom has openly acknowledged in Le Figaro that when pricing is reasonable, piracy tends to decline: “When there is an offer at a balanced and reasonable price for the consumer, piracy, I would say, disappears. […] When prices are exorbitant, it is certain that we fuel piracy.”
This situation is estimated to result in a staggering loss of around 500 million euros for the networks holding sports rights.
The Ongoing Battle Between Regulators and Pirates
In response to the rise of illegal IPTV, the audiovisual regulator is continuously adapting its strategies to combat these emerging threats…