A court resolution ordered the nationwide blocking of 13 websites and internet television (IPTV) services accused of retransmitting protected content without authorization.
According to information released by the Public Ministry (MP) and the Association of Programmers, Distributors and Agents of Cable Television Channels for Central America (APRODICA), the decision seeks to safeguard the transmission rights of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and combat audiovisual piracy.
Blocking actions are to prevent unauthorized access or retransmission of protected content and may be carried out with the support of internet service providers, in compliance with legal provisions and court rulings.
Asked about the scope of the measures, the MP explained that the blockades can be temporary or permanent, depending on the characteristics of each case, the violation detected and the applicable legal provisions.
The MP indicated that the monitoring of possible illegal broadcasts will be supported by a specialized unit that will be able to monitor websites, social networks, digital platforms and cable television systems to detect possible violations and generate information that supports the corresponding legal actions.
He added that if the possible commission of crimes related to the violation of intellectual property rights is established, the Prosecutor’s Office for Crimes against Intellectual Property may promote additional legal measures.
“If the possible commission of a crime related to the violation of intellectual property rights is established, the prosecutor’s office may promote the corresponding legal measures, including requests to block content or platforms and the development of criminal investigations determined by law,” explained the MP.
These 13 website blocks were announced after APRODICA and the MP inaugurated a specialized Monitoring Center against audiovisual piracy, which will operate within the Office of the Prosecutor for Crimes against Intellectual Property.
The entity reported that in recent months, training has been developed for prosecutors, personnel from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (Dicri) and judges from the Judicial Branch, in addition to regional exchanges with experts from Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.