Guatemala Expands Technical Measures Against Digital Audiovisual Piracy

By Mayora IP

In June 2026, Guatemala’s Fifth Pluripersonal Court of First Instance for Criminal Matters, Narcotics and Crimes against the Environment ordered internet service providers operating in the country to block access to websites and IPTV services allegedly retransmitting protected audiovisual content without authorization. The proceeding, identified as case file 01077-2026-00187, was issued on June 11, 2026, during the FIFA World Cup 2026. The case was investigated by the Intellectual Property Crimes Prosecutor’s Office of Guatemala’s Public Ministry.

The initial judicial measure concerned 13 websites and digital services identified by the authorities as being used to retransmit audiovisual content without authorization. The measure was directed at internet service providers and required them to implement the corresponding access restrictions. The Public Ministry subsequently monitored compliance with the judicial order and requested information from providers concerning the measures implemented. The case therefore involved both the issuance of a judicial blocking order and subsequent verification of its execution.

The action followed the establishment of specialized technical capabilities within the Public Ministry to monitor audiovisual piracy. The monitoring infrastructure was developed with support from APRODICA, the Association for the Protection of Intellectual Rights in Phonograms and Audiovisuals, and is operated in connection with the Prosecutor’s Office for Intellectual Property Crimes. According to information provided by the Public Ministry, the system is used to monitor websites, social networks, digital platforms and cable television systems and to document information that may subsequently be used as technical evidence in criminal investigations.

The authorities have also reported additional investigations involving unauthorized retransmissions. According to information provided by the Public Ministry, three complaints concerning possible infringements of intellectual property rights related to audiovisual transmissions had been received in connection with the 2026 World Cup. The monitoring activities were not limited to websites: authorities also examined cable television operators and physical establishments where audiovisual content could be displayed or retransmitted.

The legal framework applied in the proceedings predates the 2026 World Cup. Guatemala’s Copyright and Related Rights Law provides for judicial precautionary measures in cases involving alleged infringements or the risk of infringement of protected rights. The country’s Criminal Code also establishes criminal liability for certain violations of copyright and related rights. The Public Ministry has indicated that investigations involving unauthorized retransmissions are conducted under these existing provisions rather than under legislation specifically enacted for the 2026 tournament.

The measures were subsequently expanded. In July 2026, Guatemalan authorities reported a further judicial action involving 22 websites, domains and online services associated with unauthorized retransmission of World Cup matches. The domains included websites operating under names associated with football streaming services and platforms previously used to distribute live sports content. The subsequent action demonstrated the difficulty of enforcing a fixed blocking list against services capable of changing domains, URLs or technical configurations.

The institutional response has also included judicial training. APRODICA and the Judicial Studies School of Guatemala’s Judicial Branch have maintained cooperation for training judges and magistrates in intellectual property matters, including issues arising from digital piracy. In September 2026, the organizations announced a strengthened cooperation framework focused on developments in digital infringement and the technical and legal issues involved in judicial proceedings concerning unauthorized online transmissions.

Guatemala’s approach has developed in parallel with broader international enforcement efforts targeting unauthorized sports streaming during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Intellectual property authorities, law-enforcement agencies and rights holders in several jurisdictions have worked to identify domains used for illegal retransmission and to obtain their blocking or seizure through national judicial or administrative mechanisms. The Guatemalan measures form part of this wider enforcement environment while relying on the country’s domestic intellectual property and criminal-law framework.

These actions also follow earlier regional cooperation involving Central American prosecutors and international organizations in the areas of digital piracy, satellite signal theft and copyright enforcement. Guatemala has simultaneously expanded intellectual property training involving public authorities and has worked with the World Intellectual Property Organization on programs designed to strengthen national expertise in intellectual property.