The landscape of piracy usage in Greece is changing radically, as a recently passed law clarifies the criminal offense for end users illegally accessing protected content. Meanwhile, a Joint Ministerial Decision was signed by the Ministries of Culture and Finance, establishing the procedure for imposing fines on pirates and end users, with the relevant Government Gazette expected within days.
What the Joint Ministerial Decision provides for piracy
Under the new framework, illegal access to protected content now clearly constitutes a criminal offense, punishable by at least one year imprisonment and a monetary penalty starting from €2,900, while criminal proceedings will be expedited.
Additionally, administrative fines will be imposed on end users of pirated subscriptions, those who illegally broadcast protected content publicly with or without commercial benefit (pirates, piracy activists, cafes and bars with illegal subscriptions), and those who advertise piracy services or advertise on them.
The administrative fines are €750 for end users, €1,500 for piracy activists, and €5,000 when illegal commercial activity exists (for pirates, cafes and bars, etc., and those who advertise piracy services or advertise on them). In case of repeat offenses, administrative fines are doubled (€1,500, €3,000, and €10,000 respectively).
It’s worth noting that criminal liability is eliminated when the offender pays double the fine (2x€750 for end users).
Piracy in Greece
Audiovisual content piracy in Greece represents a long-standing problem that contributes to lost profits for creators, subscription television providers, and the state.
According to a recent study by the Centre for Planning and Economic Research (KEPE) commissioned by the Society for the Protection of Audiovisual Works (EPOE), the total annual impact on the country’s GDP from audiovisual piracy is estimated at over €400 million.
It’s estimated that job losses exceed 5,000 annually (across the entire economy). Tax losses from subscription television (VAT, special levy 10%) are calculated at up to €59 million annually, while losses for the domestic legal market amount to up to €162 million annually.
