Proposal to Criminalize Use of Illegal IPTV Services

A new proposal aimed at combating illegal IPTV services was unveiled during a press conference led by the investigator and cultural minister. The initiative, presented by Eva Bergquist, suggests that private individuals should face criminal charges for utilizing illegal IPTV services. The proposed legislation would be amended to eliminate the current requirement for decoding equipment, making it easier to enforce against users of such services.

Additionally, the proposal introduces a provision for categorizing the sale of illegal services as a serious crime. Bergquist emphasized the need for a coordinated effort from various government agencies, including the police, the prosecution authority, and the tax agency, to effectively address the widespread use of illegal IPTV.

The investigation has examined the technology employed by illegal IPTV services, alongside their distribution and sales methods. It also explored potential measures for blocking such services and analyzed approaches taken by other European nations.

According to Bergquist, halting these illegal services presents significant challenges. The report advocates for more systematic efforts to counteract advertising and disrupt payment channels to these services, enabling quicker blockages closer to the source, specifically at the IP level. Furthermore, the proposal suggests examining the possibility of granting rights holders the ability to request the blocking of ongoing sports events in Sweden, similar to practices in other countries.

Bergquist highlighted the security risks posed by the prevalence of illegal IPTV services in Swedish households. There are concerns about the potential manipulation of news broadcasts through artificial intelligence, which underscores the urgency of the situation.

The proposal is set to undergo a consultation process, and specific details regarding potential fines for users of illegal IPTV services will not be available until after this stage. The cultural minister expressed the government's commitment to taking swift action to address the issue.

In summary, the government is eager to explore solutions to combat the problem of illegal IPTV services, with plans to expedite the review of the proposal.

IPTV, or Internet Protocol Television, refers to television streamed over the internet. Illegal IPTV encompasses services that provide access to film and television content without proper broadcasting or copyright rights. A 2024 evaluation by the analysis firm Mediavision estimated that approximately 1.3 million households in the Nordic region were utilizing illegal IPTV services.

Often, these services include access to expensive sports subscriptions, as well as a wide range of films, including new releases. The media industry views illegal streaming services as a major concern, as they are believed to significantly undermine potential subscription revenue.