Soccer leagues are using real-time AI tools to detect illegal streams and combat piracy (www.techradar.com)

LaLiga, in collaboration with infrastructure company Fastly, has announced the implementation of real-time AI tools to combat illegal streaming that costs the soccer league an estimated $700 to $800 million annually. Traditional methods like IP blocking have proven ineffective against the rapidly evolving landscape of unauthorized streams, which operate on a massive scale during major matches. With more than 81% of illegal streams remaining active for extended periods, the newly developed AI systems aim to detect and flag these streams in real-time, drastically reducing the timeframe in which they can be broadcast before being taken down. This advancement is significant for the AI/ML community as it highlights a shift towards more sophisticated, data-driven approaches to content protection in the digital age. The AI strategy allows LaLiga to target specific content-related signals instead of resorting to broad network blockages, which can disrupt legitimate viewers. By successfully reducing piracy rates by 60% during the 2024/25 season, LaLiga is setting a precedent for how sports organizations can leverage AI technology to safeguard their revenues and maintain the integrity of broadcasts in an increasingly complex digital environment.