The Audiovisual Media Authority identified and technically documented an unauthorized “card-sharing” server that enabled illegal access to the encrypted broadcasts of television operators DigitAlb, Tring and RTSH. The service infrastructure was hosted by Hetzner Online GmbH, a Germany-based hosting provider.
Following the identification of the activity and the collection of technical evidence, AMA sent a formal notice to the hosting company, together with the relevant supporting documentation. Following this notice, the unauthorized service was shut down.
“Card-sharing” is a form of television piracy whereby the data associated with a legitimate subscription and the access card codes are distributed over the internet to a large number of decoders. In this way, multiple users can gain access to encrypted television channels without having an individual subscription to those services.
AMA states that it will continue its efforts to combat television piracy in all its forms, while further strengthening cooperation with international digital infrastructure providers.
The Authority emphasizes that cooperation with international hosting companies is an important component in identifying and disrupting illegal services that infringe upon protected broadcasts.
