A meeting was held with Internet Service Providers on issues related to the licensing of audiovisual media activities carried out by IPTV or OTT

Senior officials of the Information and Communication Technologies Agency (ICTA) and the Audiovisual Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan held a consultative meeting with representatives of Internet Service Providers (ISP) operating in the field of audiovisual media.

During the meeting, participants were informed about the requirements of the current normative legal acts in the field of audiovisual media. It was clarified that providing television programs in packets over IP networks is considered retransmitting audiovisual programs, and this activity requires a platform operator's license issued by the Audiovisual Council.

It was further emphasized that providing of audiovisual content at the user's request (Video-on-Demand) qualifies as an on-demand audiovisual media service and is subject to licensing too. Performing of audiovisual media activities without the required license is considered a violation of the existing legislation and may result in the enforcement of legally prescribed sanctions. It was noted that providers conducting of audiovisual media activities without the appropriate license are required to finalize the licensing process within a short timeframe.

Providers that offer audiovisual content via the infrastructure of other platform operators are required either to obtain the appropriate license separately or to publish proper and transparent information on their webpages specifying the legal basis for the provision of the service and through which license holder the service is provided. This approach is of significant importance in ensuring proper consumer awareness, market transparency, and the development of a healthy competitive environment.

Participants were informed that, in order to obtain a license, an application must be submitted to the Audiovisual Council in accordance with the procedure established by law, together with the relevant documentation.

ICTA and the Audiovisual Council will maintain their coordinated efforts aimed at ensuring legal compliance in the audiovisual media market, protecting consumer rights, and promoting a transparent and competitive environment.