Internet service providers and rights holders of sports-related content sign agreement to protect sports broadcasts

Arcom, the APPS (APPS) and the Fédération Française des Télécoms (FFTélécoms, Orange, Bouygues Télécom and SFR), joined by the Iliad group, welcome the signing of an agreement between the four main Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and APPS aimed at strengthening the fight against unlawful diffusion of sports-related contdnt online.

Over the past year, in application of article L. 333-10 of the French Sports Code and prior to the conclusion of this agreement, Arcom has received 85 submissions of a case before the court from sports rights holders concerning ten sports competitions. 787 mirror site domain names were notified by the Authority to Internet service providers, who applied the blocking measures with particular diligence, which is commended here. In total, thanks to these actions, plus the services blocked by ISPs in execution of court rulings, 1,299 illegal sites have been blocked to protect sports broadcasts since the start of 2022.

Thanks to the operational cooperation set up between the Authority, rights holders and internet service providers, in the first half of 2022 alone, the overall illegal sports audience has been halved (49%).Nevertheless, wemust remain vigilant. New modes of access to fraudulent services (unlawful IPTV, VPN or alternative DNS) mean that we must always seek out the most appropriate measures to put in place, as well as calling on all players likely to intervene to stop infringements of rights.

Arcom, APPS, FFTélécoms and Iliad are delighted with this agreement, which will strengthen and accelerate the measures taken to protect sporting events. Indeed, the parties have agreed not only on best practices in judicial matters, but also on the assumption of the costs of automating the blocking measures notified by Arcom upon submission of a case before the court by rights holders.

"The conclusion of this agreement is the culmination of a real team effort, which is now set to continue, to anticipate developments in usage, protect rights and enable fair remuneration. Fighting online piracy protects the major competitions that bring us together, just as it protects the funding of amateur sport, the practice of which in our territories contributes to their vitality, fosters inclusion and encourages cohesion." Roch-Olivier Maistre, President of Arcom

" After more than a year of negotiations, we are delighted to have reached an agreement that will enable Internet service providers to benefit from a contractual and technical manager facilitating the implementation of these blockings, and rights holders to be even better protected against illegal piracy. We are now summoning new players such as hosting providers and search engines to sign new agreements, in order to implement this "safety net" across the entire digital ecosystem chain. " Liza Bellulo, President of FFTélécoms

"The signing of this agreement marks an important milestone for the protection of sports-related contdnt in France, and one on which the members of APPS, which brings together broadcasters and rights holders, have been able to build and perpetuate their agreement. The fruit of constructive dialogue with Arcom and Internet service providers, this agreement will speed up and consolidate the fight against sports piracy, while leaving open the possibility of adapting it to new modes of illegal access, such as IPTV supplies. Collectively, this will enable us to better target illegal services that attack the audiovisual rights pillar of sports financing." Maxime Saada, President of APPS

About the Fédération Française des Télécoms :

Created on September 24, 2007, the Fédération Française des Télécoms (FFTélécoms) brings together electronic communications operators in France. Its mission is to promote an industry that is responsible and innovative with regard to society, the environment, people and businesses, to defend the sector's economic interests, and to enhance the image of its members and the profession nationally and internationally. To carry out its missions, the Federation organizes a structured, ongoing dialogue with all stakeholders in the sector and its institutional and private environment, in the interests of its members. It ensures that the sector is rigorously represented on issues of common interest, in full compliance with the competition rules in force.

About APPS :

APPS, the Association for the Protection of Sports Programs, was created in January 2018 to make a concerted contribution to the fight agains audiovisuel piracy of sports competitions. Its mission is to raise awareness and mobilize all public and private players to ensure respect for broadcasters' rights and the value of competitions. APPS is made up of 16 members representing the main broadcasters and organizers of sports competitions (federations and professional leagues), and is currently chaired by Maxime Saada, Chairman of the Canal+ Group Management Board.

About the French regulatory authority for audiovisual and digital communication :

Arcom is an independent public authority that guarantees freedom of communication. Its mission is to ensure that the public has access to a plurality of audio and video supplies that respect rights and freedoms, to defend creativity and to contribute to the fight agains unlawful and problematic content on the Internet.