Belgium’s campaign against illegal IPTV has blocked nearly 1,000 websites in two years, yet over 12% of the population still accesses pirated television streams, highlighting a persistent gap between enforcement and consumer behavior.
The SPF Economie’s anti-piracy unit, launched two years ago, has secured court orders resulting in 955 site blocks through the Francophone Enterprise Court in Brussels. While this represents progress, it remains modest compared to Italy’s blockade of over 40,000 illegal streaming domains in the same period, underscoring disparities in regional enforcement capacity.
Authorities warn that both sellers and users of illegal IPTV face criminal penalties, including fines up to €800,000 and prison sentences of up to five years. Despite these legal risks, no individual consumer has yet been fined, though officials stress that subscribers unknowingly expose their devices to cybercriminal activity, with illegal streams often serving as vectors for data theft, malware, and extortion.
Enforcement operates on two fronts: local investigations targeting small electronics retailers who sell pre-configured devices and subscriptions, and cross-border operations focusing on higher-level operators and server infrastructure within the illegal streaming hierarchy. Officials acknowledge limitations in disclosing detailed field operations, citing operational sensitivity.
The issue has gained renewed urgency amid ongoing legal proceedings involving broadcasters and streaming platforms. At the Francophone Enterprise Court in Brussels, lawyers confirmed that the dispute between DAZN and the Belgian Pro League over broadcasting rights was directly tied to online piracy concerns, though separate from the pending Cepani arbitration case.
In a development that alleviated industry uncertainty, DAZN has renewed its commitment to broadcast Belgian professional football through the 2026-2027 season, extending its rights beyond the initial playoff-only extension. The agreement, validated by legal representatives Maïlys Sahagun and Stéphanie Hermoye, ensures continuity for fans and reduces reliance on illicit streams as a fallback option.
Why has Belgium blocked far fewer illegal streaming sites than Italy despite similar legal frameworks?
Belgium’s enforcement focuses on targeted, court-ordered actions against specific networks rather than broad domain blacklisting, reflecting a more resource-intensive but legally precise approach compared to Italy’s administrative-scale blocking campaigns.
Can viewers still face penalties for using illegal IPTV services in Belgium?
Yes, users are liable under Belgian law for copyright infringement when accessing unlicensed streams, though enforcement to date has prioritized distributors and infrastructure over individual consumers, with no fines issued to private individuals to date.
How does the DAZN broadcasting renewal affect the demand for illegal streams?
By securing rights to broadcast Pro League matches through 2027, DAZN reduces a key motivation for piracy — lack of legal access — potentially lowering demand among fans who previously turned to illegal streams due to broadcasting uncertainty.
