A Anatel (National Telecommunications Agency) is developing an innovative solution to combat pirated IPTV boxesalso known as TV Box. In an interview with the portal Tele.Syntheseadvisor Artur Coimbra revealed that the agency is testing an automated method to block these illegal boxes, seeking to make the process more agile and efficient.

Anatel intends to use “virtual seals” to speed up the process

Currently, blocking Pirate IPTVs involves a series of manual steps, which require the Anatel send orders to telephone operatorswhich, in turn, need to identify and block the specific addresses of these boxes. This process can be time-consuming and requires shifts, which makes it difficult for the agency to respond quickly to this type of infraction.

With the new system, the Anatel intends to speed up blocking, starting with the automation of triggering the blocking order for operators. The proposal includes the creation of a unified system, to which all companies will have access, allowing the process to be carried out more quickly and without the need for manual interventions. The second step of the initiative is to allow the agency to have direct access to the core router of operators, facilitating the application of blockades directly into the network infrastructure.

The concept behind this new strategy is “virtual teardrop”. This is a blockage associated with the IP address of the pirated device, which would allow Anatel carry out a auto scan and prevent these illegal boxes from continuing to operate.

This type of system is not a recent idea from Anatel. In 2021, we here at Oficina da Net brought firsthand a statement from Carlos Baigorri, the agency’s advisor, who argued that the “blocking should be exactly like that, directly on the IP”. If it works well, this system could be expanded to other regions and countries, such as Spain e Portugalwho also face similar challenges in combating pirated IPTV services.

How would IP blocking work?

Automatically, Anatel would search for the IP and if it identified that it was from a pirated service, it would be blocked instantly. Image: Oficina da Net

Each TV Box connected to the internet has a IP addresswhich is like a unique “identifier” showing that that specific device is working and connected. To the pirate boxes use this IP address to transmit content, and it is precisely based on this IP that the Anatel intends to block these devices.

1. IP identification: Firstly, Anatel needs to identify the IP address associated with the pirated TV Box. This identification can be done through a scan of the internet operators’ network, where the IPs linked to the internet services will be detected. IPTV pirate.

2. Automated locking system: With Anatel’s new system, it will no longer need to manually send blocking orders to operators. Instead, it will use an automated system that will send a blocking order directly to the operator, who will then apply the restriction on the pirate box’s IP. This process is called virtual seal.

3. Blocking by the operator’s central router: After the IP is identified and marked for blocking, the signal from the operator’s central router (the “core router”) receives this order. This router is responsible for distributing the internet to customers on that network, so, by blocking the box’s IP, it prevents the device from receiving any data from the internet.

4. In practice for the end user: For those who are at home using a Pirate TV Boxwhat happens is that the box simply stops working. As the blocking occurs directly on the operator’s network, the internet signal is blocked for that specific IP, and the box is unable to access the content. The person may even be able to browse the internet normally using other devices (such as cell phones or computers), but the IP of the TV Box is blocked, so she cannot access the pirated service.

What if the person changes their IP or tries to bypass the block?

According to Anatel, even if there was an IP change, the system would identify and block it again. Image: Oficina da Net

Some users try to use VPNs or IP change to bypass blockages. Anatel, however, is developing a system that allows a constant scan. In other words, even if the box tries to reconnect with a new IP or a VPN, the system will be able to identify and block it again. It is a method that promises to be dynamic and agile.

At the moment, the idea has generated some mixed reactions among internet operators, with some expressing themselves in favor of the new system and others stating that it would compromise people’s privacy.

Councilor Artur Coimbra explained that access to Anatel to operators’ infrastructures would be voluntary and limited, which guarantees a certain control over the application of the system. However, there is still no defined deadline for this solution to be operational, and the testing process may take some time before the system is fully implemented.

If implemented successfully, it could considerably reduce the time needed to stop illegal services, as happened with the X/Twitterwhich took a long time to block due to the manual process.

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