Is IPTV legal in Belgium? How to know copyrighted-content?

Last activity 16 January 2021 by phipiemar

4828 Views

3 replies

Post new topic

Ahmed_TalaatActive member20 February 2020 12:31:40

Dears,
I was wondering about using IPTV and I did many researches about this topic and found that the end user may get warning for downloading and/or streaming copyrighted-contents over IPTV connection, then may face service cutout and/or legal actions.

Of course, the "streaming" sometimes may not affect the end-user because he/she isn't downloading and streaming deffer than downloading and the law seems to judge only who downloads.

But what came up to my mind is that how would I know that the content is copyrighted? Let's say if you're streaming Netflix through 3rd party who has not a contract with Netflix, now you are streaming a copyrighted content, or if you're streaming a movie or song for example without copyrights so it's the same!

Now, if you're streaming some air channels? so after some researches I found that it's legal because they are always free to watch, the thing is that you can't receive them in your region because of not receiving the signals due to the distance or the satellite coverage footprint.

But the real question is, what if you're streaming a paid TV service? How would I know if the IPTV provider has a contract with this network?
Also, I'm still not 100% sure if the streaming not guilt as much as downloading.

So, anyone has any idea about this?

Ahmed_TalaatActive member20 February 2020 12:43:12

One more question, if the paid TV services is located outside Europe, are they entitled to copyright laws in Europe? Or it depends on the copyright itself?

AlexFromBelgiumAnimateur Belgique EN/FR23 February 2020 22:06:12

1739

Hey!

Keep in mind that if you don't pay to watch a "paid/copyright" content, then it's illegal.
That's the generic rule...

In Belgium, you might pay (IP)TV content through proximus, telenet, voo, ... and you've access to the Belgian legal "limited" IPTV content through your subscription.

As long as you pay for the content, you're "OK", even with VPN or else, unless you do not respect the conditions & terms of your subscription. And that's the shitty part...

Example: you're living in Belgium, got netflix/amazon prime whatever and use a proxy/vpn to get access to russian, brasil or whatever country's content: officially illegal because of the conditions & terms.

If you put a small computer in your country (parents home? dedicated server?) + install vpn on that small server and manage it from here in Belgium, and you pay the fee in your country to have access to that content, then """"""""you're fine"""""""""""", because you pay for what you've access to and no one will ever care about you.
Strictly legally speaking, it might be illegal depending on your country, because you're not a resident anymore who's eligible to subscribe the contract............ But again, as long as you pay... """""no one will really care...""""", BUT at your own risk!

So, officially speaking it's purely wrong and illegal, but reality... (thinking about my Vietnamese girlfriend that just arrived in Belgium... )
As long as the majors get their money, I highly doubt that they'll care about you as long as you pay for what you watch... but again, at your own risk!
They've millions of illegal streaming website to close before taking care of you, who's going to pay to see that content from abroad...

So yeah, these laws are freaking absurds and stupids if you want to do it properly and legally speaking... which I would, of course, advise for you to respect

phipiemarVIP Member16 January 2021 13:57:57

4733

there is a legal risk. The law states that by using an illegal IPTV service, the customer “becomes an accomplice in illegal activity and is exposed to the same penalties as with illegal downloading or streaming, that is to say 3 years in prison and a fine of 300,000 euros.

Belgian law is clear about that.

Não é porque é legal no Brasil que é a mesma coisa na Bélgica ...

AgnesSmith wrote:
IPTV is completely legal. You can also use lista iptv 2021 solution for that application.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Belgium

Telephone and broadband in Belgium
Here's how to proceed to get a telephone and broadband in Belgium.
Doing an internship in Belgium
Students usually have to do an internship to validate their academic training. What's the process of doing an ...
A guide to Brussels' neighbourhoods
A very safe and laid-back city to live and work in, Brussels has many different sides for expats and tourists to ...
Buying a car in Belgium
Some formalities apply when buying a vehicle in Belgium, both before and after the sale. Here's what to expect.
Buying property in Brussels
Compared with other European capitals, buying property in Brussels is very affordable. Consequently, it's ...
Buying a property in Belgium
The real estate in Belgium has the reputation of being relatively cheaper than its neighbors. We'll give you ...
Lifestyle in Belgium
Belgium is a diverse country that's very friendly with newcomers. What about its traditions, festivities, and ...
Driving in Belgium
If you're moving to Belgium, you might be interested in learning about getting a driver's license. Read on ...