Very popular since the new DAZN subscription for Ligue 1 McDonald’s, the IPTV phenomenon is spreading more and more, but the risks incurred by their use remain high.
For several weeks, messages and requests concerning IPTV boxes have been pouring into social networks. Whether it’s posts sent on X (formally Twitter) or Facebook statuses, many Internet users seem to suddenly express an interest in these small boxes that have been in circulation for several years now.
As a reminder, an IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is, basically, a small box connected to your internet connection and allowing you to receive television channels on a screen.
As it stands, an IPTV that allows you to simply enjoy your Netflix subscriptions, Ligue 1 McDonald’s or the TV channels you pay for is completely legal. For several years, however, the use of IPTV has been diverted in order to offer boxes with multiple channels and subscriptions without paying the licenses and rights to use them. This is why it is increasingly common to find messages on social networks promoting IPTV boxes for around twenty or thirty euros per year, and allowing you to have multiple TV channels and streaming sites at no additional cost.
IPTVs have been enjoying a real boom in recent weeks. The credit goes in particular to the new DAZN subscription which allows you to enjoy Ligue 1 McDonald’s matches for a minimum price of 30 euros per month (for the least expensive formula). A price considered unreasonable by many football fans who are now turning to the IPTV solution to find all the league matches without sacrificing their budget.
The majority of IPTV users go through social networks and the Telegram messaging application to find their box or follow the matches. The latter allows users and interested parties to exchange about these boxes without fear of having their messages tracked or identified by possible services and legal authorities thanks to conversation encryption.
Between those who followed the match on Telegram, IPTV and those who used a VPN, the article specifies that nearly a million people watched the match for free and/or illegally.
The crash is going to be so violent. https://t.co/deX6t6IM7o
— Kevin Nieto (@K_Nieto_) August 17, 2024
What are the risks involved in using IPTV?
However, using an IPTV without paying for the licenses of the channels and streaming services used is completely illegal. According to ARCOMthe use of IPTV jumped by 16% in 2023 compared to the previous year. A figure that is likely to climb further this year following the new McDonald’s Ligue 1 rate.
ARCOM also points out that users of illegal IPTV risk up to five years in prison and a fine of 375,000 euros according to article 321-1 of the Penal Code, which punishes the handling of counterfeit goods.