Court orders blocking of HileyTV over World Cup rights

The Civil Court has ordered the Communications Authority of Maldives (CAM) to block public access to the HileyTV website following claims that it intended to stream FIFA World Cup matches without authorisation.

The case was filed by Medianet, which sought a temporary injunction against the website pending the outcome of legal proceedings.

According to court documents, Medianet argued that HileyTV operates by compiling and providing access to links from television channels without the necessary broadcasting rights.

The company further stated that HileyTV had attempted to retransmit Medianet content and had created a section on its website under the name "Maldives Medianet".

Medianet also submitted evidence of a message circulated in a HileyTV Telegram support group claiming that the company's broadcast feeds had been intercepted and integrated into the platform.

In its filing, Medianet noted that it holds the exclusive rights to broadcast the FIFA World Cup in the Maldives. The company said it had granted a sub-licence to Public Service Media (PSM) to air the tournament as a non-commercial broadcaster.

According to Medianet, HileyTV announced plans to stream World Cup matches despite not holding a licence to do so.

The Civil Court ruled that the legal requirements for issuing a temporary injunction had been satisfied and ordered that access to the website be restricted until the case is concluded.

Under the order, CAM is required to take the necessary steps to block public access to the website while the matter remains before the court.