ANCINE Issues New Regulation Strengthening the Fight Against Online Audiovisual Piracy in Brazil

In April 2026, the Brazilian National Film Agency (ANCINE) issued Normative Instruction No. 174/2026, establishing the administrative procedures applicable to the enforcement against the unauthorized online offer of protected audiovisual content. The regulation represents a significant development in Brazil’s anti‑piracy framework, as it provides concrete implementation of the powers granted to ANCINE under Law No. 14,815/2024.

With the enactment of Law No. 14,815/2024, Brazilian legislation expressly authorized ANCINE to determine the suspension and cessation of the unauthorized use of protected Brazilian or foreign audiovisual works, including in the digital environment. This change reflects a clear legislative acknowledgment that traditional judicial and criminal enforcement mechanisms alone are often insufficient to address large‑scale and fast‑moving infringements typical of online piracy.

Within this context, Normative Instruction No. 174/2026 was issued as the infralegal instrument designed to regulate and operationalize this new statutory authority. The regulation sets out who is entitled to file complaints with ANCINE, the evidentiary requirements applicable to such complaints, the procedural steps to be followed, and the range of administrative measures available to halt infringing activities. Rather than creating new enforcement powers, the Instruction structures and enables the exercise of powers already established by law.

One of the most relevant practical aspects of the new regulation is the possibility of administrative blocking of websites and services dedicated to the unauthorized distribution of audiovisual content. ANCINE may order, with enforcement carried out by ANATEL, the suspension of access to domain names, subdomains, URLs and IP addresses used for piracy, including future variations of the same services. This mechanism significantly strengthens enforcement capabilities against recurring infringers and the well‑known practice of constant domain migration.

The regulation also establishes a special regime for live audiovisual content, such as sports events and live performances, whose unauthorized exploitation results in immediate and often irreparable harm. In such cases, expedited procedures may be adopted, allowing ANCINE to act during the live transmission itself, reflecting the time‑sensitive nature of this type of content.

Another key feature of Normative Instruction No. 174/2026 is its systemic approach to piracy. The regulation authorizes coordination with technical intermediaries, infrastructure providers, search engines and electronic payment services, seeking to undermine the economic viability of piracy operations. This approach aligns Brazilian practice with international standards by addressing piracy not merely as isolated copyright infringement but as an organized economic activity.

Despite the reinforced administrative authority, the regulation preserves essential due process safeguards, including the right to be heard, to present a defense and to file administrative appeals. At the same time, it places a significant evidentiary burden on rights holders and their representatives, who may be held responsible for the information provided and for the unavailability of content resulting from enforcement measures. As a result, the use of this administrative mechanism requires careful strategic assessment, supported by sound digital investigations and robust evidentiary documentation.

For rights holders, Normative Instruction No. 174/2026 opens a new administrative enforcement pathway, complementary to judicial and extrajudicial actions, particularly relevant in cases involving illegal streaming, pirated IPTV services, unauthorized retransmissions and websites dedicated to audiovisual piracy. By formalizing a structured administrative process within ANCINE, Brazil reinforces its alignment with international best practices for the protection of audiovisual content in the digital environment.

Kasznar Leonardos continuously monitors regulatory and legislative developments in the fight against piracy and has an established track record in the design and implementation of administrative enforcement strategies before ANCINE, as well as in digital investigations, evidence gathering and the coordination of civil, criminal and tax actions related to the protection of audiovisual assets. Our Anti‑Piracy & Brand Protection team is available to provide tailored assessments on how the new tools introduced by Normative Instruction No. 174/2026 may be effectively incorporated into our clients’ rights protection strategies.