Arcom plans real-time blocks on pirate IPTV during World Cup | OneFootball

France’s audiovisual and digital regulator Arcom plans to block pirate IPTV feeds in real time during the World Cup, running from 11 June to 19 July.

According to L'Équipe, deputy director general Pauline Combredet-Blassel warned users they could find their screens go black at the moment of a penalty.

The watchdog will roll out a new system that enables real-time blocking of infrastructures used by pirate IPTV services. If an IP address streams a match illegally, it can be blocked for the duration of the game.

In France, coverage is split between M6, which is free-to-air, and beIN Sports, a pay channel that holds the entire tournament. The clampdown aims to limit illicit viewing by cutting off streams at source.

The mechanism was tested during Roland Garros. Arcom is reinforcing monitoring teams to make up ground in this area.

It is also seeking automated blocking, with the measure set to be debated in the National Assembly in three weeks as part of a proposed law.

Source: L'Équipe