The pirate streaming service Bitplay has been terminated following a criminal complaint filed by the Association of Commercial Televisions (AKTV) and an investigation by the Police of the Czech Republic.
AKTV said it first became aware of Bitplay in mid-2025 and issued warnings via authorised copyright holders, but the operator continued to make premium sports channels and selected series content available without the necessary rights.
Working with monitoring supplier Warezio, the association compiled evidence which it says enabled the Czech authorities to identify the service’s operator as an individual.
Bitplay was promoted via social networks and other online channels and was aimed at users in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland. AKTV said the platform provided access to paid sports services without appropriate licences from rights holders.
Marek Singer, President of AKTV, said: “Illegal streaming harms broadcasters, partners of sports competitions and the athletes and sports clubs themselves. Investments in quality content are only possible in an environment where copyright is respected and protected.”
He added the action was part of a wider, ongoing effort against unauthorised distribution and monetisation of protected content.
AKTV also warned that illegal streaming services can pose security risks to users, including potential misuse of personal or payment details and exposure to malicious software.
