Morocco Implements Stricter Laws Against Digital Piracy
In a significant move to combat digital piracy, Morocco has enacted Law No. 013.26, which amends existing legislation concerning copyright and neighboring rights. This law, which officially came into effect following its publication in the official journal on August 10, 2026, introduces new provisions aimed at tackling the unauthorized exploitation of protected content through digital means and the internet. Among its notable features is a clear definition of piracy, which encompasses unauthorized use of copyrighted materials, thereby strengthening the legal framework for protecting the rights of authors and related rights holders.
While the term "IPTV" is not explicitly mentioned in the legal text, the unauthorized rebroadcasting of television channels, sporting events, films, and other protected content through servers, applications, or online platforms falls under actions that the law criminalizes. Consequently, sellers and promoters of pirated IPTV services for commercial purposes will face clearer legal consequences regarding the risks associated with their activities. The penalties for various intentional violations committed in a commercial context range from two to six months of imprisonment, along with fines between 10,000 and 100,000 dirhams, or one of these penalties alone. For repeat offenders, the law stipulates that sentences can increase to between one and four years of imprisonment, with fines ranging from 60,000 to 600,000 dirhams.
Additionally, the law enhances investigative mechanisms by allowing qualified officers, under legal controls, to access certain premises and information systems, examine documents, and seize equipment linked to violations before referring the findings to the public prosecutor. The judiciary is also empowered to order the cessation of broadcasts infringing protected rights, including directing the order to individuals or companies capable of halting the transmission. This signifies that the approach is not merely about automatic administrative blocking of servers but establishes a more stringent legal and judicial framework aimed at combating pirated broadcasts and protecting content rights, particularly concerning the broadcasting of sporting events.
As reported by akhbarona.com.
