Friend MTS to launch MENA first automated IPTV anti-piracy service


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Joseph O'Halloran

| 04 February 2016




Content protection and forensics firm Friend MTS is to launch what it claims is the first technology-led anti-piracy solution specifically designed to tackle the growing threat from illegal IPTV set-top boxes (STBs).


To be unveiled at CABSAT 2016, Viper is part of what the company says are its plans to ramp up the fight against video piracy. The new solution uses Friend MTS’s proprietary technology to monitor IPTV boxes, identify the source of each illegal channel feed and effectively shut it down. Friend MTS claims that what makes its service unique is that it can identify these illegal broadcast streams which are hidden behind a paywall, and not usually detectable by normal anti-piracy searching methods.

The issue of Illegal IPTV boxes is seen as a growing problem, especially in the MENA region. Such devices are available for as little as £250 a year and come fully loaded with major channels from around the world as well as video-on-demand (VOD) content and live sports. They enable users to access a plethora of channels from the comfort of their own living room with no need to access a computer or understand anything more than how to use a remote control.

“Piracy from these illegal IPTV boxes is a huge problem, especially in the Middle East, and one that is growing every day,” explained Friend MTS CEO Jonathan Friend. “Viper will finally enable operators and broadcasters across the globe to effectively fight this increasing threat and work towards shutting it down for good.”