Italian sports bettors who like pirated game streams will lose their subscriptions under new law
The internet has made it easier for sports bettors to watch games from around the world, often via unlicensed streams using dedicated apps. There are thousands of such streams at any given time. But Italy hopes a new law will make them disappear entirely.
Last week, the Italian Senate approved Bill 621, four months after the House of Representatives approved it. The measure received unanimous support from House members, with no one voting against it.
The Agency for Communications Security (AGCOM, by its Italian abbreviation) will soon have full authority to shut down any illegal information flow. A full investigation or approval is not required. Italians who watch Premier League or NFL matches online through unlicensed platforms will suffer.
No more unlicensed streams
The law still needs to be implemented, which will take some time. There, AGCOM, which regulates broadcast communications in the country, can order ISPs and network access providers to block pirated websites or any type of streaming, including sports, movie premieres and entertainment programming.
After receiving the notification, the provider has 30 minutes to respond. However, AGCOM’s power doesn’t stop there. It may also require search engine operators and information service providers that are involved in any way with website accessibility or illegal services to also block access.
Under the law, AGCOM will work with Italy’s National Cyber Security Agency to create the necessary framework for the implementation of controls. You must bring together a technical team to develop a solution, which must be ready within six months.
Among other things, the streams are distributed via Internet Protocol Television (IPTV). Broadcast sources are routed through specific IP addresses, streaming pirated legal sources, paid subscription households and other methods.
There are hundreds of apps that can access these sources, and even some smart TV systems include them in their libraries. Although finding the right food can sometimes be time-consuming, there is virtually no limit to its availability.
AGCOM will attempt to make the feed as inaccessible as possible. The law allows not only reactive responses and orders to shut down IPs, but also proactive responses.
Regulators can order ISPs to block known Dynamic Name System (DNS) server links that connect website names to specific IP addresses. Without it, Internet users would have to remember a website's IP address instead of its name.
Build a wall
The new measures are justified for two reasons. Lawmakers believe this will help protect consumers and protect broadcast rights agreements.
Many illegal and fraudulent companies advertise through illegal streaming. It is difficult to imagine a reputable sports betting operator advertising on a platform that is known to be illegal in various countries. But there are many unlicensed sports betting operators.
Italian lawmakers claim the country loses up to 319 million euros ($358.52 million) in tax revenue each year due to unlicensed broadcasts, according to research by an anti-piracy group. Broadcasters would also suffer from being unable to report additional subscribers. Their numbers are expected to increase once Italy's system is rolled out.
Australia has been taking similar measures, but the process still requires court approval. Recently, a federal court granted a motion for a preliminary injunction from a major entertainment network, resulting in the blocking of 22 websites and 36 domain names. It took a month to get approval.
The US is also cracking down, with IPTV providers already being warned that 2023 will be the year they really come under attack.France is doing the same thing and is considering a law that would force the inclusion of blocked websites in web browsers.
The law would mandate the use of Cleanfeed, a content blocking system already in use in other countries. These include the UK and Canada, although their use is only voluntary. Clean feed was once considered in Australia, but the idea was rejected.
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Source: www.casino.org
