Estimates show that 4.5% of the population, representing 17.1 million people, have watched internet streamed TV (live or catch-up) from unauthorized online sources in Europe in 2021, according to an independent study on illicit IPTV in Europe undertaken by Bournemouth University for the Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAPA).
The report revealed that the share is even higher among young Europeans, as 11.8% of the younger population (aged 16-24) are engaged in the consumption of illicit IPTV services in Europe. This population share represents nearly 5.9 million young individuals in Europe (EU27+UK) in 2021.
Furthermore, the report estimates sales of copyright-infringing IPTV service subscriptions generated €1.06 billion of unlawful revenue in Europe (EU27+UK) in 2021. Spending to access illicit IPTV is estimated to average €5.22 per month, accruing to €62.64 annual expenditure per individual in Europe in 2021. At the same time, according to the investigation, legal pay TV providers incurred potential losses in revenue of €3.21 billion last year due to pirated IPTV in Europe.
“This study highlights the very real damage done to legitimate pay TV providers by widespread use of illicit IPTV piracy by Europe’s citizens. It is clear that our industry, law enforcement and legislators must take more stringent steps to stem the growing use of this form of piracy. Consumer awareness must play a central role too. AAPA will continue to devote itself to fighting this crime,” said Mark Mulready, Co-President of AAPA and VP Cyber Services at Irdeto.
