Operation conducted in Belgium, IPTV screens suddenly went dark

In Belgium, an operation was carried out against pirate IPTV broadcasts. On Saturday night, the screens of 50% of those watching matches via IPTV went dark, and hundreds of illegal sites were shut down. Belgium took a decision that could serve as an example to other countries against IPTV, which enables the illegal viewing of digital platforms. DAZN, which offers the opportunity to watch sports competitions live or on demand over the internet in many countries, applied to the court to have IPTVs and illegal sports streaming sites shut down. The court approved the request, sending letters to telecom operators and alternative service providers to order dynamic blocking. With the decision implemented on Saturday, the screens of 50% of those watching matches via pirate IPTV went dark, and hundreds of illegal sites were shut down. The expenses for DNS blocking measures were covered by internet service providers. DAZN announced the operation as a “real victory in the fight against content piracy in Belgium.” It was stated that this practice, called “dynamic blocking,” in Belgium also sidelines “mirror” or “imitation” sites that allow watching matches through IPTV. The application of this practice in other countries is anticipated.