Thousands of IPTV users may see an interruption of their service after a judge ordered internet drive providers to block access to hundreds of IP addresses in Malta due to being identified as providers of illegal content. 

The court ordered telecommunications companies Epic, Melita and Go to block illegal and unlicensed broadcasts of Spanish league matches in a case filed by La Liga Nacional de Futbol Profesional against the internet service providers. 

Mr Justice Ian Spiteri Bailey heard how a report prepared by the audit firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers identified a number of IP addresses on the island which were suspected to be illegally transmitting or streaming content, specifically the First and Second Division matches of the Spanish League, without the proper license and authorisation. 

Jacqueline Mallia, La Liga’s legal representative in Malta, told the court that this content was being accessed in Malta via websites, mobile apps and other software. She said that although the service providers were not infringing copyright themselves, this was bing done by their customers who were providing illegal content. 

In his ruling, Spiteri Bailey upheld the arguments and ordered the three providers to block those who were violating La Liga rights. The decision could massively impact several clients of IPTV in the coming days. Go and Melita television subscribers will not be affected by the decision. 

TSN is the only station licensed and authorised to broadcast the matches in Malta, and the subscribers will continue to watch the matches. 

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