IPTV in Switzerland: what to know about legality and broadcasting rights

IPTV means that programmes are delivered over the internet. The technology is used by authorised television services as well as by offers whose broadcasting rights can be hard to verify. The term “IPTV” alone therefore does not tell you whether a service is legal.

To choose with full knowledge, two questions need separating: the right to watch content for private use, and a provider's right to broadcast or retransmit that content.

IPTV technology is not illegal in itself

Operators and platforms offer television services over the internet. The technology is simply a way of delivering programmes. What needs examining is the content delivered and the authorisations the provider holds.

A serious service should explain clearly who runs it, which channels or content it offers, where to find its terms and conditions and how to reach its support.

Private use and the provider's rights: two separate matters

In Switzerland, the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) explains that streaming for private use falls under the private-use exception, even when the source is illegal. That does not mean a provider is allowed to retransmit channels or programmes without the necessary rights. The IPI distinguishes private viewing from making works available or uploading them on the internet.

Swiss law also deals with the retransmission of broadcast works. Article 22 of the Federal Copyright Act provides a specific regime for the retransmission of programmes, with an exception that does not cover subscription television.

The situation can depend on the acts involved and on where the content is watched. If you have a question about a specific case, seek advice from a legal professional.

How to examine an offer before paying

Before subscribing, look for verifiable information on the following points:

• The provider's identity: company name, address and means of contact.
• What the offer includes: channels, video quality, replay and usage limits.
• The commercial terms: total price, term, renewal, cancellation and refunds.
• Broadcasting rights: clear information on the authorisation to offer the channels and content advertised.
• Security: an app available through a recognised channel, a privacy policy and information on how data is processed.

A promise of “all channels”, an exceptional price or a “lifetime” plan does not, in itself, prove that the service holds the necessary rights. Likewise, the presence of an app on a device is not proof of a licence.

Be wary of signs that are hard to verify

Be careful if the provider gives no company name, refuses to share written terms, asks only for a payment that is hard to dispute, or sends an app to install from an unknown link. These points are not enough to establish an offence, but they make the service harder to verify and make recourse harder if something goes wrong.

Also avoid sharing your credentials with strangers or passing on channel files that give access to content you are not authorised to distribute.

A useful check before subscribing

Ask the provider to state in writing where the channels come from and which broadcasting rights it holds for Switzerland. Read the terms before paying and keep the order confirmation and your exchanges with the company.

In short

IPTV is a technology, not a legal label. In Switzerland, private use of streaming and a provider's right to retransmit programmes are two different questions. Check the service's identity, its terms and its information on broadcasting rights before you subscribe.

See also: our terms and conditions, our refund policy and the contact page.