IBCAP Launches Automated VOD Monitoring and Takedown System to Combat Piracy in Set-Top Boxes and IPTV Services

Proprietary anti-piracy tool complements existing automated system for linear channels and is set to significantly disrupt VOD piracy worldwide

DENVER, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The International Broadcaster Coalition Against Piracy (IBCAP) today announced that it has developed a proprietary, automated software-based system to identify and remove infringing video-on-demand (VOD) content on set-top boxes (STB) and IPTV services. This VOD-focused system complements IBCAP’s existing proprietary software, which is already being used in removing infringing linear channels, further enhancing the coalition’s ability to combat piracy across multiple platforms.

Developed by IBCAP’s in-house software engineering team, the VOD-focused solution uses automated methods to find infringing content, collect evidence and then generate and send takedown notices to the entities hosting the infringing streams. For infringing services that remain non-compliant after the initial automated takedown notifications are issued, IBCAP’s in-house attorneys will send follow-up letters notifying infringers of their copyright violations.

Building on the IBCAP lab’s successful software that automates the removal of linear channels, the new system extends that capability to on-demand video content. Since launching its software for automated scanning and takedowns of linear channels a few years ago, IBCAP has achieved more than a 75% annual removal rate and expects similar compliance over time for VOD content.

IBCAP’s lab recently implemented a beta version of the new system on 10 STB services. The software identified more than 100,000 VOD assets owned or exclusively licensed to IBCAP members through automated scans of a selected list of titles. In the short period since the beta launch, IBCAP has already received strong compliance from the hosting providers used by the infringing services to transmit the identified VOD assets. Following today’s announcement of the full launch of the VOD-targeted software, IBCAP plans to add more than 80 STBs and IPTV services for automated enforcement in the coming months.

“IBCAP’s new proprietary tool for VOD protection is the result of a year-long effort by our software engineering team, adding another automated solution to our robust toolbox to remove infringing content,” said Chris Kuelling, executive director of IBCAP. “This enhancement is designed to remove millions of illegal VOD streams, making a significant impact on piracy worldwide. Our continued investment in developing our own automated systems underscores our commitment to innovation and protecting our members’ content, both in the U.S. and around the globe.”

For more information about IBCAP membership and its benefits, visit https://www.ibcap.org/membership.

About IBCAP

International Broadcaster Coalition Against Piracy, Inc. (IBCAP) is a coalition of leading international and U.S. content owners, broadcasters, and distributors representing more than 210 television channels from the U.S. and around the world. As the largest anti-piracy organization focused on illicit services offering multicultural content, with a state-of-the-art anti-piracy lab that utilizes technology provided by Nagra, the organization proactively monitors and identifies unauthorized video services, collects evidence, and assists with legal actions and criminal investigations against organizations and individuals engaging in pirate activities. IBCAP coordinates with government agencies and law enforcement both in the U.S. and abroad, reports suspected infringers to the appropriate authorities, initiates investigations, and promotes the prosecution of persons or companies that participate in the illegal streaming of its members’ video content. More information is available at www.IBCAP.org. Follow us on LinkedIn.

IBCAP Media Contact:
Kendra Westerkamp
C4Spark for IBCAP
Kendra@C4Spark.com
+1-720-261-2300