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IPTV is watching TV over the internet. This is basically fine. The problem is that there are criminal networks that distribute illegal IPTV. What is legal and illegal is really the responsibility of the individual user. If things seem too cheap to be true, it’s probably a criminal network.

IPTV and rights

Rights to major sporting events cost a lot of money. If you are offered a package containing e.g. English, Spanish, German and Italian football for a very small price, it is probably piracy. This is, of course, not legal. The providers are often criminal networks that make a lot of money selling such items without a license to do so.

Whether the consumer is liable is up to each individual country’s legislation. Broadcasting through IPTV without a license is a criminal offense. Rights are purchased to convey events. Those who pay for the rights often pay a lot of money for the rights to, for example, English football.

What’s the problem?

The big problem, of course, is that the rights holders have paid large sums of money for a unique right. The customers of these rights holders pay to access these events. When you buy a cheap subscription to IPTV that includes such rights, you are in practice helping to increase the costs of those who choose to pay.

It is a criminal activity to sell something you are not actually allowed to sell. Many of the providers of cheap IPTV solutions are criminal networks. By downloading software or going to a given web address to watch IPTV, you put yourself at extreme risk of both data theft and unwanted advertising.

Licensees pay for a product

A sports event, a TV channel, a concert or a movie is made by someone. We can discuss whether the price to consumers is too high. This discussion will always be there. But it is ultimately the consumer who decides how much he or she is willing to pay for an item. If an item in a store is too expensive, we don’t steal it. IPTV without the licenses in order is in practice the same as stealing.

Think about whether the price you pay for your IPTV makes sense. If something is too cheap to be true, it probably isn’t. Don’t let yourself be used by criminal networks.

Sources:

End of Broadcast for IPTV criminal network | Europol (europa.eu)

The Hidden Dangers of Illegal IPTV Services: What You Need to Know | FACT (fact-uk.org.uk)

Man sentenced after earning £250,000 from illegal streaming | City of London Police

Illegal Premier League streaming: This is what you risk (telenor.no)