The Spanish Commercial Court will oblige operators to report to LaLiga, Spain's national championship, the IP addresses and personal data of those who use their services to watch pirated football.
As I submitted Spanish pressBarcelona's Commercial Court No. 8 issued an order requiring operators, such as Telefónica, Orange and Vodafone, to report to LaLiga the IP addresses and personal data of those who use their services to access games illegally. In addition to the entities mentioned, Digi and MásMovil will also be affected by the decision.
This measure represents a radical change in LaLiga's anti-piracy strategy. Previously, it did not have the resources to punish individuals who watched pirated football via a home internet connection.
Until now, the legal tools available have only allowed surveillance companies, as well as restaurants, bars or other public establishments, that provide illicit access to games.
With this decision, Internet operators will provide LaLiga with the IP addresses of users who connect to servers that distribute pirated football. In addition, companies must provide the contact person's name and surname, billing and installation address, and National Identity Document (DNI) or NIE (foreign identification number).
Spanish media reported that this decision issued by the Commercial Court would allow users who resort to pirated football to be fined. However, it is still unclear how the process will take place and what exactly the penalties will consist of.
Without revealing too many details yet, the decision already raises many doubts regarding people's privacy and data transfer and storage. According to the court, the companies themselves will provide the information via a “secure electronic channel.”
LaLiga wants to fight pirate football
Pirate football is one of La Liga's concerns, and president Javier Tebas has been keen to voice this, demanding action.
In 2023, it ensured that match piracy in the Spanish Premier League increased by 4%, compared to the previous season. What's more, it was reported that apps for iOS and Android, with millions of downloads, have been detected in Europe, facilitating access to illegal content.
