In recent months, the Guardia di Finanza has intensified its activity to combat digital piracy, focusing in particular on the illegal use of IPTVs, commonly known as “Pezzotto”. A vast operation at national level has made it possible to identify and sanction 2,282 users in 80 Italian provincesguilty of having enjoyed copyright protected content – such as films, TV series and above all sporting events – without having signed regular subscriptions.
What the one who looks to pirated content risks
Those who choose to take advantage of illegal IPTV services can no longer feel safe. Even end usersand not only those who manage clandestine networks, are persisted by law. As required by the article 174-ter of law 633/1941 on copyright, penalties can go to 154 euros until 5,000 eurosespecially in case of recurrence.
The authorities have strongly reiterated the principle of zero tolerance against those who access the content without a license, highlighting that the offense concerns not only the offer, but also simple consumption. The Guardia di Finanza has already started new operations and is expected that Thousands of other users can be sanctioned in the coming months.
How illegal IPTV users are discovered
The identification of users who use the piece. Law enforcement officers use thecrossing of IP dataprovided directly by network operators, with data relating to Payments made on illegal digital platforms. Even if the user thinks he is protected behind a domestic connection, Each access leaves digital traces which can be traced even after some time.
This method has proved particularly effective to reconstruct the use flows and users’ behaviors, leading to concrete results throughout the national territory.
The phenomenon of audiovisual piracy has not only legal implications, but also heavily affects the economy of the sector. According to the FAPAV-IPSOS 2023 reportare about 4 million The Italians who have benefited from illegal IPTV servicesgenerating a loss of over 700 million euros per year for the entire entertainment supply chain.
The Serie A League has quantified in about 300 million euros per year The loss caused by piracy to the football clubs alone, an economic impact that undermines the financial sustainability also of the top companies.
Piracy Shield: the new tool to block illegal sites in less than 30 minutes
To face the phenomenon in a more structured way, theAGCOM He launched in February 2024 A platform called Piracy Shield. This innovative system allows you to block websites in real time which illegally transmit live sports content. The Internet Service Provider (ISP) they are obliged to intervene within 30 minutes from the reportmaking the intervention timely and effective.
This measure is part of a wider plan for contrasting piracy, supported by a strong commitment of Italian institutions in defend copyright and protect the audiovisual sector.
