In May 2023, the European Commission published a Recommendation on combatting online piracy of sports and other live events. This non-legislative act encouraged member states and all relevant stakeholders to take appropriate measures against the unauthorised retransmission of live events, while guaranteeing the necessary safeguards to protect fundamental rights.
When the European Commission asked earlier in 2025 for input toward an updated version of its Recommendation, more than 90 stakeholders weighed in before the June deadline. An updated Recommendation is expected in November 2025.
It would not be a moment too soon. In September, the Live Content Coalition published a final edition of its analysis of the impact of the Recommendation on combatting online piracy, which shows that the Recommendation has had no significant impact and a worsening trend.
In 2024, at least 10.8 million takedown notices relating to unauthorised retransmission of live events were submitted to intermediaries. As of 30 June 2025 i.e end of H1 2025, this increased to 26.2 million reflecting an increase of 142% over that 18-month period.
Despite the magnitude of the situation, 89% of these 26.2 million notices did not result in suspension, which was about 8% worse than the level from the second half of 2024.
The data showed that piracy remained a major issue, with a significant increase in the number of notices submitted to intermediaries from 5.4 million in H2 2024 to 15.1 million in H1 2025.Only 6% of infringements acted upon within 30 minutes.
Dedicated Server Providers (DSPs) accounted for 46% of notices submitted across 2024 and 91% of these notices were not suspended. By contrast, only 2% of notices submitted to Online Platforms were not suspended.
Data provided for analysis
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) gathers data from national authorities, rights holders and several intermediary services. Data for 2024 and H1 2025 from 10 major sports leagues and broadcasters was shared with the report’s author, Grant Thornton.
However, since the findings are based on data from a limited number of stakeholders, Grant Thornton analysts believe that the full extent of online piracy issues may be “much larger.”
Why it matters
“During the period of analysis, there has been a negative trend in key metrics such as an increase in the number of notices issued and a decrease in the percentage of those resulting in suspension. This suggests that, despite the European Commission’s Recommendation, the issue of online piracy continues to escalate, whileprogress in the effectiveness of mitigation efforts remains limited.”
Further reading
Two Years On: Online piracy trends worsen despite the European Commission’s Recommendation. Research report. Released September 2025. Grant Thorton for Live Content Coalition
More than 90 recommendations to European Commission’s 2023 anti-piracy consultation. Article. June 13, 2025. by Steven Hawley. Piracy Monitor.
