Google and Sky launch new attack on IPTV that could put illegal streamers on borrowed time

New methods of taking down illicit IPTV streaming services that illegally provide content from the likes of Netflix and Sky Sports are seemingly under way.

It's after a new court order was passed and handed to Google, following the legal action being brought forward by Sky under its trading name, Sky UK Limited.

The battle against illegal streaming has certainly been hotting up in recent months, with 2024 so far seeing a number of authorities across the world take on streaming websites and IPTV [Internet Protocol television] apps and services.

IPTV technology, which is a way of watching television online, is regularly harnessed by criminals to freely supply content.

The legal problem with this is that most of that content is copyrighted and comes with a cost, whether that be live sports, films, or new TV shows.

Illegal IPTV hosts will host this content and charge rates that massively undercut the market rate of those that hold the copyright, which is not above board when it comes to the law.

Google is now playing its part. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

It's why the Premier League is acting quickly, putting out 'stark warnings' after a huge victory against illegal streaming.

The world's richest football league is prepared to go even further with new legal avenues explored that could mean your details are handed over if you're part of the illegal streaming network.

Authorities have already started taking down IPTV networks, with PayPal playing a huge role in busting open one service that had raked in £320,000.

Now, Google has had to move fast following a High Court order brought forward by Sky.

IPTV is often used to illegally access copyrighted films, shows, and premium live TV. (Getty Stock Images)

The order itself is probably not what you're thinking - that's because no actual IPTV services have been blocked.

Instead, the focus in on another part of the criminal chain.

Filing the initial documents with the High Court last November, Sky focused on websites that 'infringe its copyrights in the United Kingdom'.

Six websites have been targeted by Sky: BunnyStream, CatIPTBV, EnigmaStreams, GenIPTV, GoTVMix, and IPTVMAIN.

Documents filed with the court state that these websites have been used to sell subscriptions to IPTV services that in turn, provide access to copyrighted material that has not been licensed to them. That includes live streams of sport and TV channels as well as on-demand movies and television shows.

IPTV is used for piracy means by millions. (Getty Stock Images)

On IPTVMAIN, TorrentFreak reported that its website says everything is above board, with its FAQ section reading: "IPTV Main operates within legal boundaries, providing legitimate streaming services to our users."

But the High Court disagreed, instead allowing Sky's court order to be approved. As a result, Google has taken down the six websites offering IPTV subscriptions.

It marks a subtle change of direction in the battle against illegal streaming, with the focus no longer being just on the IPTV service itself. Instead, blocking the ordinary person's access to the IPTV service in the first place might be an essential cog in taking down the beast that is illegal streaming.