Internet service providers in France, including Orange, SFR, Free, and Bouygues, have been ordered to block access to streaming sites and IPTV services that illegally broadcast Ligue 1 matches. These actions follow judicial decisions welcomed by the Professional Football League. However, the actual effectiveness of these blocks and the operators’ ability to completely eradicate these illegal practices remain questions. This article explores the recent court rulings, the methods employed by operators, and the ongoing challenges posed by circumvention technologies such as VPNs and Telegram.
Court Rulings and Operators’ Obligations
On August 12, the Judicial Court made a historic decision by ordering the main French operators – Orange, SFR, Free, and Bouygues – to block access to streaming sites and IPTV services that illegally broadcast Ligue 1 matches. These blocks must be implemented within a limited timeframe of three days from the notification of the interim order. The Professional Football League welcomed this decision, calling it a major judicial “first” aimed at protecting the broadcasting rights of French football.
Blocking Mechanisms
The blocking mechanisms put in place by internet service providers mainly consist of disrupting the connection between illegal services and their subscribers. In practice, ISPs redirect DNS requests, thereby cutting off access to the implicated platforms. However, these methods are not infallible, and workarounds are quickly adopted by savvy users.
Technological and Legal Challenges
Despite the efforts made, completely preventing access to these illegal streaming sites and IPTV services remains a major challenge. Illegal IPTV, a constantly growing phenomenon, uses servers located abroad, making blocking complex and often temporary. Users can also employ virtual private networks (VPN) to mask their location and access blocked content.
Common Workaround Techniques
Among the most popular techniques for circumventing these blocks is the use of VPNs, which allow users to virtually change their location, rendering geoblocking ineffective. Additionally, applications and services like Telegram continuously share updated streaming links, thereby escaping the barriers set up by operators.
An Endless Fight?
Experts agree that fighting illegal streaming and IPTV is akin to a never-ending battle. Each new block is quickly bypassed by innovative technical solutions from users. For operators and regulatory bodies, the solution may lie in a combined approach of advanced blocking technologies and more coordinated international legal actions.
Next Steps
Operators, in collaboration with rights holders and judicial authorities, continue to seek more effective ways to curb the proliferation of these illegal services. Proposals include establishing international technical partnerships, strengthening penalties for offenders, and educating consumers about the risks and consequences of using illegal services.
