Access to websites and IP addresses used to unlawfully distribute television programmes sanctioned by the European Union will be restricted in Lithuania.

The decision was adopted by the Radio and Television Commission of Lithuania (LRTK). Internet service providers have been instructed to block access to the identified IP addresses and domains within two working days.

According to the LRTK, some platforms that had previously been blocked continued to provide access to prohibited content by circumventing existing restrictions — for example, through changes to DNS settings or the use of IPTV services.

During its monitoring activities, the Commission identified 27 IP addresses and 33 internet domains that enabled users to access television programmes subject to EU sanctions, including “Pervyi Kanal,” “Rossiya 1,” NTV, and others.

“This is part of our ongoing effort to prevent the online distribution of sanctioned content. We see that even after restrictions are imposed, attempts are made to bypass them, which is why additional measures are necessary,” said LRTK Chairperson Mantas Martišius.

According to LRTK data, since 2018 the Commission has adopted 52 decisions ordering the blocking of access to 282 illegally operating websites. This demonstrates that unlawful content distribution and attempts to circumvent sanctions remain a persistent issue.

The Commission emphasizes that access restrictions apply only to sources that violate legal requirements or provide access to content prohibited within the European Union.