The issue of pirate IPTV providers evading blocking measures by utilizing VPNs and public DNS services has prompted concerns among local pay TV companies in Brazil. In response, Brazil’s telecoms regulator, Anatel, is seeking cooperation from major technology companies, often referred to as “Big Tech,” to address this challenge effectively.
An Anatel advisor has indicated that the regulator has set a one-week deadline for these tech giants to cooperate in combating pirate IPTV services. Failure to comply within this timeframe may result in legal action to compel cooperation. While specific companies were not named, one of them was alluded to with a name starting with the letter ‘G,’ likely referring to Google.
The involvement of Big Tech companies is crucial due to their significant influence and control over online platforms and services. By collaborating with these companies, Anatel aims to enhance its efforts to combat piracy and protect the interests of legitimate pay TV providers in Brazil.
The regulator’s ultimatum underscores the urgency of addressing the issue of pirate IPTV services, which not only undermine the business models of legal pay TV providers but also pose legal and regulatory challenges in the telecommunications sector. Cooperation between regulatory authorities and major technology companies is essential to effectively tackle this growing problem and ensure a fair and competitive market environment in Brazil’s TV broadcasting industry.
The battle against illegal TV market activities in Brazil continues to intensify, with authorities and rightsholders targeting various aspects of piracy, including pirate IPTV services, uncertified set-top boxes, illegal streaming websites, and pirate apps. Brazil’s National Film Agency (Ancine) and the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) have joined forces in a new anti-piracy partnership, with blocking measures identified as a crucial tool in combating piracy.
However, while blocking measures may be effective at reducing piracy rates, they also present challenges as they can be circumvented by tech-savvy pirates. Pirate set-top boxes in Brazil are now equipped with built-in VPN services or come pre-configured to use public DNS services, making it easier for users to bypass IP address blocking deployed by authorities.
Jonas Antunes, legal director of the Brazilian Association of Pay Television (ABTA), highlighted the difficulty in combating piracy, emphasizing that the challenge lies not only in the telecommunications networks but also in addressing circumvention methods employed by pirates. Antunes indicated that if VPN services and public DNS providers fail to comply with blocking instructions from Anatel, the government may need to intervene to address the issue.
During the PAYTV Forum in São Paulo, Moisés Moreira of Anatel expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of assistance from Big Tech companies in tackling online content piracy. Moreira mentioned that certain tech giants, one of which starts with the letter ‘G’ (likely referring to Google), have been notified by the agency. Anatel has set a one-week deadline for these companies to respond, warning of potential enforcement actions, including judicial measures, if compliance is not achieved.
The situation underscores the ongoing struggle between regulatory authorities, rightsholders, and tech companies in combating online piracy. While blocking measures and cooperation from tech companies are sought-after solutions, the complex nature of online piracy and the involvement of powerful internet platforms pose significant challenges in effectively addressing the issue.
