Viaplay will restrict live streaming of sports on multiple IP addresses

Viaplay is going to change its terms of use. For example, from February 26 it will no longer be possible to stream the same live sports broadcast from different IP addresses. It remains possible to stream a live broadcast on two devices from the same IP address.

In an email to customers, Viaplay explains what exactly will change. The company is making the changes because of its “commitment to a fair and safe experience for all users.”

“The updated terms allow you to watch the same live sporting events on two devices simultaneously, as long as they are connected to the same IP address. If devices are on different IP addresses, the device that started streaming a specific sporting event will be the only one allowed to continue “Simultaneous streaming on different IP addresses is allowed if the devices stream different sporting events.”

Viaplay points out that it is possible to follow the same stream from different IP addresses using the Viaplay app and the F1 Pro app. This is possible if the user follows the race on one IP address via the Viaplay app and the other address streams the broadcast via the F1 Pro app. Furthermore, the change does not apply to ‘non-live content’, films and series.

It is possible that Viaplay is making the change to prevent account sharing. Various streaming services have taken increasing measures in recent years to curb account sharing. For example, Netflix charges a surcharge of 4 euros for sharing an account outside your own household. Disney+ also introduced such ‘restrictions’ for Canadian users in November.

Update, 6:04 p.m.: Added additional information about streaming via the Viaplay app and the F1 Pro app.