The use of apps to watch free online television, known as IPTV , has become a major headache for both users and authorities. While many fans seek free alternatives to official subscriptions, cybercriminals are taking advantage of the situation to install malware on devices. In recent weeks, the Civil Guard has warned of a surge in scams related to these apps, while LaLiga has launched a new AI-based tool to combat piracy.
The situation is twofold: on the one hand, users who install these apps from unofficial stores expose themselves to serious security risks, such as the theft of banking information. On the other hand, sports organizations are redoubling their efforts to protect their rights, although their methods are not without controversy. Below, we review the latest developments and the recommendations from the authorities.
The Civil Guard warns of an increase in IPTV scams
The Civil Guard in Granada has detected a significant increase in cyber scams linked to the download of IPTV applications. With the start of the football season, many people are turning to these tools as a free alternative to official subscriptions. However, many of these apps, downloaded from unofficial stores, conceal malicious software that goes undetected by conventional antivirus programs. This malware activates when the user opens their banking application, allowing criminals to intercept passwords and access accounts.
The problem is compounded because, when installing these apps, users grant permissions that give access to SMS messages, notifications, contacts, and even the keyboard. These permissions are exploited to record keystrokes and steal verification codes, facilitating the partial or complete emptying of bank accounts. Furthermore, cybercriminals also steal credentials for email, social media, and messaging services.
The Civil Guard has noticed an increase in reports of these types of scams, which often result in unauthorized charges or the disappearance of funds. The main recommendation is to download apps only from official stores and to detect and remove viruses from an Android TV if an infection is suspected. It is also advisable to review the permissions requested by each app and keep the device updated.
- Download apps only from official stores.
- Avoid links that promise free content.
- Review the permissions requested by each application.
- Keep the device up to date.
LaLiga arms itself with artificial intelligence against piracy
For its part, LaLiga has taken another step in its war against illegal IPTV. The organization, headed by Javier Tebas, has begun using a platform called DRE (Digital Rights Enforcement), developed by the Portuguese company Randy Labs. This system employs artificial intelligence agents capable of automatically tracking and dismantling pirate signal distribution networks, a task that previously required a team of around 200 people.
DRE not only locates websites broadcasting matches without authorization, but also identifies the infrastructure used to distribute the signal, contacts the intermediaries, and sends them notifications to stop the broadcast. If the recipient responds requesting proof, the AI ​​itself can reply and defend the claim. However, the platform includes human supervision during matches to prevent errors.
The system can also implement IP blocks if notifications are ineffective. However, mass blocking has drawn criticism for affecting legitimate websites that share servers with pirate sites. A report by the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI) indicated that in 2026, LaLiga's blocks impacted more than 554.000 domains, many of them unrelated to football.
This situation has led digital rights experts and consumer associations to denounce the violation of proportionality principles. A reform is even being pushed through the Spanish Congress to limit LaLiga's ability to implement these blocking measures. In fact, according to some sources, the 2026/2027 season will be the last in which they can be implemented as they have been until now.
Faced with this situation, LaLiga has presented DRE as a more targeted solution. The new tool aims to block only illegal signals without affecting legitimate services, something Randy Labs itself claims is possible. If it works, it could be the perfect balance between combating piracy and respecting users' rights.
Meanwhile, users who choose these illegal methods should be aware that they not only face potential penalties but also a high risk of data theft. The combination of malware and excessive permissions makes pirate IPTV a dangerous trap for both money and privacy. The reality is that the fight against illegal IPTV has become a battleground where technology and security intertwine. The truth is that, today, the best option for enjoying football and other content is to do so through official channels, thus avoiding unnecessary problems.