- MultiChoice, the South African broadcaster, is seeking legal reforms in South Africa that would mandate Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to restrict access to websites illegally streaming its licensed content, even without waiting to receive a court order.
- According to MultiChoice, “these reforms would require ISPs to block domains and IP addresses identified as infringing upon the rights of content holders.”
- MyBroadband reported that the company acknowledged it has engaged with South African ISPs, requesting that they block illegal streaming services.
However, ISPs mentioned that they have not received any communication from MultiChoice requesting or demanding the blocking of any website. Moreover, they noted that such a move would require a court order, which they have not got.
On receiving court orders, MultiChoice had said, “The process to obtain an interdict can be costly and time-consuming, and often ends up being ‘too little too late.”
In August 2024, MultiChoice and the Milnerton police raided and arrested two suspects allegedly involved in a piracy ring in Cape Town, South Africa, for violating the Cybercrime Act 19 of 2020, the Copyright Act 98 of 1978, and the RICA Act 70 of 2002.
At the time, the broadcaster highlighted that streaming piracy remains a concern with significant implications for the entertainment industry, offering short-term benefits to consumers at the expense of content creators, economic stability, and job security.
Furthermore, MultiChoice’s exclusive rights to broadcast sports, including national rugby and cricket matches, have sparked conflicts with eMedia and the SABC, with legal actions involved.
However, South Africa's Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, is pushing to end the broadcaster's long-held monopoly on live sports broadcasting through SuperSport, stating he is prepared to “go to war” with broadcasters if they do not reach a resolution.
In addition to its paid TV services — DStv and GOtv — MultiChoice owns an online streaming platform, Showmax, in which NBCUniversal holds a 30% stake. Showmax overtook Netflix in 2023 by market share in Africa's streaming market.
The piracy and illegal streaming crackdown also comes as MultiChoice raised the prices of its Showmax packages in August 2024.
However, the company recently slashed its DStv stream premium package price, applicable if the customer commits to a 12-month package.
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Meanwhile, in April 2024, the cost of watching DStv or GOtv increased as MultiChoice Nigeria announced at least a 25% rise in subscription fees. This decision led to legal action, which was withdrawn and dismissed in July 2024.
