In a groundbreaking move against piracy, an Argentine court has issued an unprecedented order targeting the illicit IPTV service MagisTV. Alongside blocking 69 associated domains, the court has mandated Google to immediately uninstall Magis TV apps from Android devices. This measure specifically targets apps that users have sideloaded, given that MagisTV is not available on the official Google Play store.

The court order, dated September 13, 2024, also requires local ISPs to block access to the identified domains within Argentina. This action follows closely on the heels of Operation 404 in Brazil, which saw related arrests in Argentina, underscoring the international scope of the crackdown on digital piracy.

Three individuals, including Hugo Javier Mospan and Leopoldo Federico Peña, were apprehended in connection with the distribution and sale of ‘fully-loaded’ TV boxes equipped with the Magis TV app. These arrests highlight the widespread nature of the piracy network targeted by authorities.

Prosecutor Alejandro Musso emphasized the gravity of the court’s decision, noting that it marks a significant escalation in anti-piracy measures. The directive to Google instructs the company to employ technical means to remotely uninstall the Magis TV application from devices within Argentina, identified by their IP addresses. This approach, though unprecedented, underscores the lengths to which authorities are willing to go to combat digital piracy effectively.

The implications of this ruling extend beyond Argentina, potentially setting a precedent for similar actions globally. Rights holders, represented by groups like Alianza, view this as a critical step in safeguarding intellectual property rights in the digital age.

Google’s response to this directive remains uncertain, as it raises complex questions about user privacy and corporate responsibility in managing third-party applications on Android devices. Whether this move will curb piracy effectively or spark broader debate about digital rights management remains to be seen. However, the Argentine court’s decisive action signals a new chapter in the global fight against digital piracy, with implications that could reverberate across international borders.