Overview
- A VAUNET-commissioned Goldmedia study reports about 7.7 million Germans used illegal linear TV streams in 2025 and estimates total macroeconomic damage at €2.4 billion.
- The study breaks the losses down to roughly €1.5 billion in direct harm to media companies and about €542 million in lost taxes and social contributions for the state.
- Illegal streaming is concentrated among 16- to 33-year-olds and is driven mainly by convenience as users access streams on smart TVs, streaming boxes and smartphones.
- VAUNET is pressing for faster platform removal rules, dynamic blocking that can stop streams during live broadcasts, and clearer assignment of responsibility for hosts and platforms.
- The survey of 2,500 people also found some users would pay for adequate legal services, reporting an average willingness to pay of about €29 per month, which VAUNET says points to market opportunities alongside tougher enforcement.