The Swedish government is drafting laws to penalize consumers who access illicit IPTV services. This represents an expansion of existing regulations, which primarily target distributors of such services. Swedish news outlets report that an inquiry by the Ministry of Culture suggests imposing fines on individuals who stream content without a license. Furthermore, operators of pirate services could face stricter penalties, potentially including imprisonment for up to six years.
The proposed law is tentatively scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026. Eva Bergquist, a government-appointed investigator, stated in Svenska Dagbladet that it is “almost impossible” to stop piracy at the source. This decision reflects the increasing prevalence of the issue in Sweden. Estimates suggest that over 700,000 households, approximately 15% of the population, are using unauthorized IPTV, leading to an estimated annual revenue loss of SEK 1–1.5 billion for broadcasters and rights holders.
Investigators contend that because service providers frequently operate anonymously and from overseas, enforcement efforts should also target end-users. Technical measures being considered involve real-time blocking of illegal streams, domain blocking, and removing pirate services from search results. Local broadcasters have applauded this initiative, evidenced by an increase in the share price of the streaming service Viaplay. Legal IPTV cases have already been adjudicated in Swedish courts. Earlier this year, an individual was ordered to pay SEK 2.7 million in damages for running an unlicensed service, and another is currently on trial for allegedly selling subscriptions worth SEK 9 million. The proposal will now undergo government consultation before being submitted to parliament.