Illegal streaming future takes another hit in aggressive global crackdown

The global crackdown on illegal streaming via illicit websites and IPTV has taken another step forward in another major blow to those who don't pay for premium content.

Whether you enjoy the content on Netflix, Prime Video, Sky Sports, or Sky Movies, you have to pay up if you want to enjoy them in your down time.

Millions have decided that isn't for them and instead wilfully break the law by watching content on websites hosting films, television shows, and live sport.

Others will use something called Internet Protocol television (IPTV), which is usually an app that provides links to the above mentioned content.

One common way of doing this is through jailbroken media devices such as a Roku media player or Amazon Fire TV Stick. This is where the operating system is bypassed for the IPTV apps to be installed, which aren't available on official app stores.

Now, yet another court order has been passed in the global crackdown on illegal streaming.

Getty Stock Images

It's something that has already happened in Spain, where it has been reported that those using IPTV and illegal streaming websites can be tracked and traced before being issued with fines for 'damages'. It's led to some confusion, though.

The same has also happened in Ecuador, with a 'historical' court order giving football authorities the ability to take down piracy websites.

And in Italy, the Authority for the Guarantee of Communications in Italy has introduced a new Piracy Shield system that could end illegal streaming for good in the country.

Getty Stock Images

Now, it's something that has been extended to Asia, with India's Delhi High Court taking action in the battle against piracy concerning one of the country's most beloved sports.

The court has passed an injunction backing media company Viacom 18 Media Private Limited concerning the Indian Premier League (IPL) for this year.

Viacom 18 is India's sole broadcaster of the league until 2027, with around 505 million people watching the competition every year

Reports say that the court ruling targets six illicit websites that have been illegally broadcasting the IPL, with broadband suppliers orders to block access to these sites.

Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images

The order was passed due to copyright violation but also the IPL's importance to the Indian economy in terms of revenue and entertainment.

Justice Sanjeev Narula said: "Unauthorised dissemination, telecasting, or broadcasting of these events on various websites and digital platforms poses a significant threat to the plaintiff's revenue streams.

"Such illicit activities undermine the value of the considerable investment made by the plaintiff in acquiring these rights."