LALIGA partners with ABTA to combat audiovisual fraud in Brazil

This alliance underscores LALIGA's dedication to protecting its broadcast rights in Brazil, a key market where piracy poses a substantial threat to the entertainment sector.

By partnering with ABTA's Anti-Fraud Core, LALIGA strengthens its efforts to combat audiovisual fraud in Brazil, collaborating with prominent entities such as ANATEL (National Telecommunications Agency) and the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. Key initiatives encompass:

• Blocking illegal content: Implementing protocols to disable unauthorized domains and execute dynamic, real-time IP address blocking.

• Operation 404: Supporting this Brazilian governmental initiative, which has successfully dismantled numerous illicit platforms, seized equipment, and arrested individuals involved in digital piracy.

• Technological collaboration: Fostering the deployment of sophisticated instruments to identify and eradicate illegal transmissions, thereby mitigating the deleterious effects of audiovisual fraud.

"The fight against audiovisual fraud resides within LALIGA's DNA. We've been building innovative solutions to protect our content for years and working with international organizations to stop AV fraud. Brazil is a top priority in this fight, and this partnership with ABTA will let us take another big step in protecting audiovisual rights in the region," said Guillermo Rodríguez, Director of Digital and Audiovisual Anti-Fraud Operations at LALIGA.

Brazil is a key area for LALIGA, with a huge passion for Spanish football and strong cultural ties to its clubs. However, illegal access to sports content is still on the rise. According to a 2023 Ampere study, 67% of Brazilian consumers say they use piracy methods at least once a month to watch live sports. This phenomenon has caused millions in losses for the audiovisual industry, hitting not just rights holders but also the country's economy, with an estimated loss of R$ 51.7 billion in the last five years.

Oscar Simões, President of ABTA, emphasized the significance of LALIGA joining their efforts, stating: " The support of a world-class organization like LALIGA strengthens our mission to maintain a safe and sustainable ecosystem. It also acknowledges the progress that will position Brazil as an international leader in combating audiovisual fraud, thanks to public-private collaboration."

Guillermo Rodriguez, Director of Digital and Audiovisual Anti-Fraud Operations, added: "Piracy not only damages content companies, but also negatively impacts employment, tax revenue, and the funding of illegal activities. Therefore, LALIGA remains dedicated to a global strategy that integrates technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and regulatory enforcement to protect our audiovisual product across all our operating markets."

LALIGA's strategy in Brazil against audiovisual fraud

LALIGA has implemented a comprehensive strategy in Brazil to combat audiovisual fraud, leveraging technology, institutional collaboration, and regulatory pressure. Through agreements with local entities, LALIGA aims to expand the use of real-time dynamic blocking and enhance the efficiency of disabling illegal sites—a tactic already successfully deployed in Europe. Additionally, LALIGA works closely with telecommunications operators and regulators to close legal loopholes and ensure that technology intermediaries assume greater responsibility in the fight against piracy.

The organization also participates in Operation 404, providing intelligence and key data to help identify illegal content distribution networks. With a medium-term vision, LALIGA is committed to strengthening Brazil’s anti-fraud ecosystem, ensuring a safer and more sustainable environment for the country’s audiovisual industry.