The Walls Are Closing In: The Intensified Crackdown on Illegal IPTV Services

Published on: May 27, 2025 at 12:47 PM

In recent months, the hunt for illegal Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services has dramatically intensified, particularly in France. The result? Numerous platforms have been shut down, leaving thousands of subscribers without access to their preferred channels. This isn't just a fleeting crackdown; it signals a significant shift in the fight against digital piracy.

The Relentless Pursuit of Illegal Streaming

Across France and internationally, illegal IPTV has been severely impacted by a series of service and platform closures in 2024. Authorities are ramping up their actions to counter this increasingly widespread phenomenon. The French Regulatory Authority for Audiovisual and Digital Communication (Arcom) recently reported that a significant 11% of the French population uses illegal IPTV. While its popularity might have been on the rise, the latter part of 2024 has undoubtedly marked a turning point for these illicit services.



Authorities are tightening their grip on illicit streaming networks.

    The evidence of this intensified crackdown is compelling:

    • Targeting Sports Broadcasting: In September 2024, France's Professional Football League (LFP), through the intervention of Arcom, successfully secured the blocking of 160 services illegally broadcasting Ligue 1 matches, according to L'Informé. Major French internet service providers (ISPs) – Bouygues, Free, Orange, and SFR – were mandated to implement these blocking measures, bolstering the fight against sports piracy.

      Illegal sports streams are among the primary targets of these intensified efforts.

      • Arcom's Heightened Efforts: With the resumption of football leagues in August 2024, Arcom intensified its efforts, blocking over 600 services illegally broadcasting sporting events, with a staggering 90% of these being IPTV services. Overall, since the beginning of 2024, Arcom has blocked a total of 1,922 illegal sites, 362 of which were IPTV services.
      • Judicial Intervention: Further demonstrating the commitment to combatting illegal streaming, on November 7, 2024, the Paris Judicial Court ordered the blocking of 53 streaming sites and IPTV services illegally broadcasting sports competitions, notably including the French football and rugby championships. This action followed complaints filed by Canal+ and DAZN, aimed at protecting their broadcasting rights.

        Courts are actively involved in issuing blocking orders against illicit streaming platforms.

        • International Cooperation: The crackdown extends beyond French borders. In December 2024, a large-scale operation led by US authorities, in collaboration with the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), resulted in the shutdown of 138 illegal streaming sites. These platforms, frequented by over 800,000 annual visitors, offered pirated content from broadcasters such as Canal+, DAZN, beIN Sports, Netflix, and Max. Although coordinated by US authorities, these sites were accessible from France, impacting numerous individuals.

        The Driving Forces Behind the Crackdown

        The reason for this relentless pursuit is clear: broadcasters and rights holders lose millions of euros annually due to piracy. However, with rising subscription costs, some consumers are opting for cheaper, or even free, alternatives.

        Indeed, price hikes on certain legal streaming platforms have logically contributed to the growth of illegal IPTV. While one streaming service is currently offering a discount to regain goodwill, the subscription cost for DAZN, for example, jumped from €19.99 to €29.99 per month in 2024, prompting many sports enthusiasts to seek pirated alternatives. Similarly, Canal+ has increased its prices for accessing its sports channels, with subscriptions nearing €40 per month. Even Netflix raised its prices in 2023, from €8.99 to €10.99 for its Basic plan. Not to mention the ad-supported options that are causing frustration among some users.

        A Significant Risk

        Despite the allure of cheaper access offered by illegal IPTV due to these price increases, it's crucial to remember that this option carries significant legal risks. According to Article 321-1 of the French Penal Code, using illegal IPTV services is considered receiving stolen goods (recel de contrefaçon), punishable by up to three years of imprisonment and a €375,000 fine. In 2023 alone, 232 criminal sanctions were handed down, with fines ranging from €90 to €1,000, according to Haas Avocats.

        Legal Alternatives to Sidestep Piracy in 2025


        If you are looking for reliable IPTV solutions, several legal options exist:

        • ISP TV Offers: SFR, Orange, Bouygues, and Free offer various television packages, often included in their internet subscriptions.
        • Streaming Platforms: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Canal+ offer a wide selection of films and series.
        • Molotov TV: An interesting alternative for watching live and replay TV, with both free and paid options.
        • Legal Sports Subscriptions: While prices can be high, services like beIN Sports, RMC Sport, or DAZN ensure optimal, risk-free broadcast quality.


        Stay updated with the latest news...

          Back to Blog

          More Articles