Italy Launches Piracy Shield – IPTV Blocking System Now in Action

By iptv.legal , in News , at December 11, 2023

Italy’s recent implementation of the Piracy Shield marks a major advancement in the global battle against digital piracy.

This sophisticated system is designed not only to target Internet Service Providers (ISPs) but to extend its reach to encompass VPN and open DNS services, setting a new precedent in anti-piracy measures.

Launching the Piracy Shield

The Piracy Shield reportedly commenced operations last week in a limited capacity, demonstrating Italy’s commitment to intellectual property protection.

The effectiveness of this system in impeding access to IPTV services during significant events, such as major sports games, remains a topic of keen interest.

Automated Operation and Swift Response

The Piracy Shield is characterized as a “single technology platform with automated operation.”

This machine-to-machine platform management software is strategically designed to process rights holders’ reports automatically, aiming to intervene within thirty minutes of a report.

A key aspect of the Piracy Shield’s development involved a collaborative roundtable meeting with various governmental and cybersecurity entities.

This collaboration highlights the multi-faceted approach Italy is employing to combat digital piracy.

IPv4 Scarcity and Technical Challenges

A significant challenge addressed in the Piracy Shield’s framework is the scarcity of IPv4 IP addresses.

The approach taken by AGCOM, which includes blocking numerous IP addresses, points to the seriousness with which Italy is addressing the piracy issue.

Extended Responsibility Beyond ISPs

The AGCOM document stipulates that all entities, including VPN and DNS providers, involved in making pirated content accessible are required to block access.

This expansion of responsibility marks a significant shift from traditional anti-piracy strategies.

Impact on DNS Providers and VPN Responses

The involvement of DNS providers, especially in light of recent legal developments in the EU, adds a layer of complexity to the Piracy Shield’s implementation.

Similarly, the response of VPN providers to blocking demands varies, and their participation in Italy’s initiative is a subject of interest.

Search Engines’ Role in Combating Piracy

Search engines, particularly Google, are also under the purview of the Piracy Shield. Google has committed to deindexing offending platforms and removing advertisements that violate its policies, particularly those promoting pirated content.

In summary, Italy’s Piracy Shield is a pioneering and comprehensive approach to combating digital piracy.

By broadening its scope to include various online entities, Italy is setting a new benchmark in the fight against online piracy.

For more information on Italy’s “Piracy Shield,” refer to the official AGCOM press release (PDF) or the report from TorrentFreak.

Legal Streaming Options

IPTV Wire can’t determine whether third-party IPTV services, apps, websites, or add-ons hold the proper licensing.

If and when a streaming website is deemed illegal, we notify our users immediately and update reports on our website like this one to reflect that information.

In conclusion, the end-user is responsible for all content accessed through free streaming sites, apps, and paid services.

See our detailed guide below for more information on the legality of IPTV and everything you need to know before streaming.

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