British citizens who use IPTV to stream channels illegally should be aware that an official warning has been issued. Using unauthorised access devices to stream content is illegal, and those who do so may face legal consequences. Recently, there has been a crackdown on illegal streaming, and a warning has been issued to those who use Amazon Fire Sticks to stream TV shows and movies illegally.
It is essential to understand that illegal streaming is not a victimless crime. It can harm the creators and owners of the content, and it is also a violation of their intellectual property rights. In 2022, a survey revealed that 19 per cent of people had admitted to illegally streaming or downloading content they could have paid for in the past three months.
Cautions under Unauthorised TV Watching
To avoid any legal issues, it is advisable to use legal streaming services to access your desired content. There are many legitimate streaming services available that offer affordable subscription models and provide access to a vast library of movies, TV shows, and other content. These services allow you to enjoy your favourite shows without any illegal downloads or piracy.
Staying on the right side of the law regarding streaming and downloading content is essential. The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT UK) has reported that more and more people are reporting those who illegally watch specific TV channels. This trend is expected to continue, and it’s crucial to understand that illegal streaming and downloading can have serious consequences.
Therefore, it’s highly recommended to opt for legal streaming services that offer a wide range of content at an affordable price. This ensures that you’re not breaking the law and helps support the creators and producers of the content you enjoy. So, let’s choose to enjoy our favourite content responsibly and legally.
Watching iptv is against the law
IPTV, or Internet Protocol Television, is a technology that allows TV shows and on-demand content to be delivered over Internet protocol (IP) networks. This means that instead of receiving these services through traditional broadcasting formats, IPTV streams them via the Internet.
However, the use of illegal IPTV services is a violation of copyright laws and can pose a severe threat to consumers. This is why FACT (Federation Against Copyright Theft) and Sky have been working together with regional police forces in the UK to target providers of these services. They have made several arrests and have seized customer lists in the process.
According to the fact agency
According to Kieron Sharp, the CEO of FACT, illegal IPTV service providers are breaking the law and putting consumers at risk. These services can expose users to various dangers, such as malware, data compromise, and identity theft. Moreover, consumers who pay for pirate services should know that they often fund organised crime groups.
To combat the issue, FACT and Sky are committed to disrupting these criminal operations and protecting consumers from the many dangers of illegal streaming. FACT also works with Crimestoppers to make it easier for people to report illicit streaming. Reports are followed up with investigations by the Intelligence Unit to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Police operations throughout the island
Across the nation, law enforcement officials are conducting “Knock and Talks,” a series of home visits to individuals suspected of engaging in illegal activities. These visits carried out in collaboration with law enforcement, aim to inform individuals about the nature of their illicit activities and urge them to cease immediately. Failure to comply may result in further legal action or prosecution.
Matt Hibbert, the director of Anti-Piracy UK and ROI at Sky, expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts to combat the issue of illegal streaming. He acknowledged the power of working with partners, including FACT and law enforcement, to address the problem. Protecting Sky’s content is of utmost importance, and it’s equally essential to ensure that viewers can enjoy it without the risks posed by illegal streaming. Sky remains committed to this goal.
Several people have already been caught
“We remain committed to supporting efforts to shut down organised networks responsible for the large-scale theft of our content. We believe such networks harm the industry and consumers, who risk being exposed to malware and other security threats.
To that end, we have previously sent cease-and-desist notices to those running these illegal services. In many cases, we have also taken further action by visiting the addresses in person to stop the unlawful activity immediately.
We want to remind people that using devices that allow them to access TV and streaming services without paying for them is illegal. Those who use such devices are at risk of facing legal consequences, including imprisonment.
While there are many legitimate ways to access streaming services, viewers are generally required to pay for the content they access. Some providers even offer their own devices to make it easier for viewers to access their content.
Amazon Fire TV stick is mostly used
However, one of the most common devices used to access streaming services illegally is the ‘jailbroken’ Amazon Fire Stick. This modified version of the Amazon Fire Stick allows viewers to watch content without paying for it.
We urge viewers to use legitimate means to access their favourite shows and movies. By doing so, they can ensure that they are supporting the industry and contributing to the creation of more great content.”
The Fire Stick, a popular streaming device, can be modified to access content unavailable through official channels. Owning such a device is not illegal, but using it to watch copyrighted content without paying for it is against the law. The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT UK) has issued a warning about the illegal use of these devices, urging people to be aware of the consequences. Recently, there has been a significant increase in the reports of illicit streaming across the UK. FACT has said that more people are coming forward to report those who are using these hacked devices to watch TV illegally.
Penalties not only for IPTV service providers but also for those receiving the service
Illegal streaming can have serious consequences, including cease and desist letters; in some cases, officers may even be sent around to people’s homes. The rise in streaming piracy has prompted the authorities to take legal action against those who violate copyright laws. Kieron Sharp, CEO at FACT, has warned that illegal IPTV service providers are breaking the law and putting consumers at risk of malware, data breaches, and identity theft. He stresses that people who use pirate services should also know that they are often funding serious organised crime groups.
There is no ban on using jailbroken fire stick
Owning a modified Fire Stick is not illegal, but people should be aware of the implications of using it to watch copyrighted content without paying for it. With the increase in illegal streaming, it is essential to understand that piracy is a crime and can have serious consequences.
FACT and Sky are committed to fighting against the many dangers of illegal streaming and protecting consumers from its harmful effects. A spokesperson from FACT is working closely with Crime stoppers to make reporting cases of illicit streaming much more accessible. Those found guilty of illegally streaming content will be warned to stop immediately or face prosecution.
FACT is helping Sky television
Sky’s director of Anti-Piracy UK and ROI, Matt Hibbert, has expressed his appreciation for FACT and law enforcement for supporting them in their fight against illegal streaming. He emphasised that Sky recognises the importance of working with their partners to end illicit streaming. Sky is dedicated to protecting its content while ensuring consumers enjoy it safely without the risks of illegal streams.
Efforts will continue to be made to shut down organised networks that steal content and keep consumers from accessing content illegally. It is important to note that watching TV or streaming services without paying the required fee violates the Fraud Act 2006. Section 11 of the act covers ‘obtaining services dishonestly’, including ‘knowing that the services are available for payment and avoiding or intending to avoid payment in full or in part’. Respecting the creators’ intellectual property rights and paying the appropriate fees for their work is essential.
Watch TV channels according to law
If you are aware that you are required to pay for a service or product and choose to acquire it without making the necessary payment, you are committing an illegal act. This is known as theft or fraud and can have serious legal consequences.
The punishment can be severe if you are caught and found guilty of this offence. A summary conviction, which is the less severe form of conviction, can result in imprisonment for up to 12 months. However, if your actions are deemed more powerful and are considered an indictable offence, the maximum sentence can be five years in prison.
It’s important to note that the severity of the punishment can depend on several factors, such as the value of the stolen goods, the level of planning involved in the offence, and whether or not you have a prior criminal record. Therefore, it’s always best to avoid engaging in illegal activities and seek legal advice if unsure about the legality of any action you plan to take.
