Mayo among counties targeted in crackdown on illegal IPTV providers
Enforcement actions are intensifying across the country as authorities crack down on illegal IPTV providers, with Mayo emerging as one of the focal points of this campaign.
Legal warnings, personally delivered, sent through the post, and via email, have been issued to individuals engaged in offering unauthorised access to premium television content. These cease-and-desist notices carry a stark message, halt all illegal streaming activities immediately or risk facing the full force of the law, including potential criminal prosecution.
The warnings were dispatched to addresses within several counties, including Mayo, Monaghan, Galway, Louth, Dublin, Cork, and Laois, during the period of August 7 to 18.
This robust legal action forms part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at disrupting and dismantling organised and sophisticated piracy networks operating within Ireland.
The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) is spearheading this effort, collaborating closely with broadcasters and law enforcement agencies.
A previous wave of actions took place in March, leading to the takedown of numerous illegal streaming services and legal proceedings against individuals involved.
Sean, a former IPTV seller from the west of Ireland, who was targeted in the initial wave, shared his regret, saying, "I didn't think that what I was doing was a serious offence." He emphasised the stress and worry it had caused him, urging others involved in such activities to reconsider. Kieron Sharp, CEO at FACT, highlighted the risks associated with illegal IPTV services, including malware, data loss, and identity theft. He affirmed their commitment to disrupting these criminal operations and protecting consumers.
The impact of these legal notices is already evident, with those targeted taking down their sites and advertisements. This disruption to their illegal operations is expected to persist. Earlier this year, the UK saw significant sentences handed down to individuals involved in running illegal streaming services, demonstrating the seriousness with which such offenses are regarded.
In further efforts to combat piracy, the Premier League secured enhanced blocking orders in Ireland, while Sky obtained similar protections for its sports and entertainment content in the UK.