Authorities have stepped efforts to combat illegal IPTV streaming in Ireland, with recent enforcement actions leading to the shutdown of multiple illicit services.
The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) confirmed that a targeted operation carried out over two weeks in December resulted in the disruption of thousands of illegal streams and impacted numerous users accessing illegal content.
As part of the crackdown, legal notices were served to 13 illegal IPTV operators in counties including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Donegal, Offaly, and Louth.
These notices ordered the immediate cessation of illegal streaming activities or risk facing criminal prosecution. FACT reported that many of the targeted operations have since been shut down, with social media pages deleted, subscriptions canceled, and some settlements agreed upon.
The organisation warned that piracy networks are often linked to organised crime, with profits from illegal streaming potentially funding other criminal activities. Additionally, illegal streams pose significant risks to consumers, such as exposure to malware, data theft, and financial fraud.
FACT supports the BeStreamWise campaign, which educates the public about the dangers of illegal streaming and promotes safe alternatives for accessing content.
This latest enforcement action marks the fourth wave of anti-piracy operations in Ireland since March 2023, bringing the total number of illegal IPTV services shut down to nearly 70.
FACT and its partners have pledged to continue their efforts to eliminate digital piracy and protect consumers.
