In a significant crackdown on digital piracy, Gujarat’s Cyber Crime Police have dismantled a INR 700 crore illegal IPTV network known as BOS IPTV. This operation, reportedly serving approximately five million users, was illicitly streaming premium content from JioStar, including JioHotstar, as well as unauthorized foreign channels.
The Modus Operandi
The BOS IPTV network was offering unauthorized access to a vast array of pay TV channels, including those owned by Star India and banned Pakistani networks, at a nominal fee of INR 400 for a three-month subscription. Investigations revealed that the network exploited hacked or manipulated consumer set-top boxes (STBs) from legitimate DTH providers to source the pirated content.
Legal Action and Arrests
Following a complaint filed by JioStar, an FIR was registered on May 14, 2025, at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Gandhinagar. The charges invoked include sections 303, 318(4), and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, along with Sections 37, 51, 63, and 65A of the Indian Copyright Act, 1957, and Sections 65, 66, 66B, and 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Law enforcement officials arrested an individual in Jalandhar, Punjab, and seized three laptops and two mobile phones believed to have been used in operating the illegal IPTV service. Authorities suspect that this operation may be part of a broader piracy syndicate with international connections.
Broader Implications
This case underscores the growing threat of digital piracy in India. According to an EY report, 51% of Indian consumers access content from pirated sources, with the piracy economy estimated at ₹22,400 crore in 2023. The loss to the industry through Goods and Services Tax (GST) is estimated to be up to ₹4,300 crore.
Piracy not only undermines the revenue of legitimate broadcasters but also poses risks to consumers, including exposure to malware and lack of customer support. Broadcasters are advocating for the implementation of forensic watermarking in set-top boxes to trace illegal streams and deter piracy.
Industry Response
JioStar has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards piracy and its commitment to protecting its content and subscribers. A spokesperson stated, “This crackdown is a critical milestone in our ongoing fight against piracy. We commend the swift and impactful action by the Cyber Police in Gandhinagar and other agencies involved.”
The dismantling of the BOS IPTV network marks a significant victory in the fight against digital piracy in India. It highlights the need for continued vigilance, robust legal frameworks, and technological solutions to protect intellectual property rights and ensure a fair and secure digital entertainment ecosystem.
