Arcom has released its latest figures on illegal IPTV. Despite an intensifying fight, the phenomenon still has a significant impact on the landscape – particularly for sports content. We also learned that French pirates are also consumers who pay for legal subscriptions.
The latest Arcep study provides some updated information on the phenomenon of illegal IPTV in France. And the least we can say is that overall, the effects of the fight by rights holders and authorities remain relatively effective. The phenomenon is still failing to recede – even if the figures show that the situation seems to be stabilizing.
Some 18% of Internet users in France will continue to use it in 2024, mainly to access sports channels at a lower cost. A figure almost identical to the 19% measured in 2023. And which raises questions about the effectiveness of the measures decreed by the authorities to stem the phenomenon.
The fight against piracy seems to be barely containing an endemic phenomenon
Thus, in 2024, the number of sites blocked following a court decision increased by 146% to 3,797 domain names. A number that includes some 1,769 platforms dedicated to IPTV and 2,028 sites focused on illegal live streaming. Arcom notes that among the majority of those using illegal IPTV services, 41% are new users.
This is far from good news. There is still some positive news, too. 60% of customers of pirate IPTV sites also legally subscribe to a package of traditional sports channels. This is nearly twice the average for other Internet users. IPTV allows these profiles to access a wider range of services that they would not otherwise be able to afford.
Two-thirds watch sports content at least three times a week. The study confirms a strengthening of the illegal football market (44% of the sample surveyed), with Ligue 1 and the Champions League in particular. Other sports emerge in the study, such as tennis (Australian Open, etc.) and rugby (Top 14). To better combat the phenomenon, Arcom seems to be implicitly saying that legal offerings must be strengthened while making them more accessible.
Another approach could, however, accompany the movement in the more or less long term if this does not bear fruit. Some countries are in fact beginning to directly target consumers of pirate sites...
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