How to Avoid Legal Trouble When Using Streaming Devices: A Timely Warning
Households using dodgy streaming gadgets have been slapped with a “stern warning” after an illegal TV operation was busted. Two men running the ‘Titan Streams’ illegal streaming ring were caught selling illegal Sky and TNT Sports subscriptions to thousands of people, according to Worcestershire county council.
The Illegal Streaming Ring Revealed
Benjamin Yates and Lewis Finch pleaded guilty to illegally supplying Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) which allows access to paywalled services for free. The pair have been sentenced to a 20-month suspended sentence for 18 months and 250 hours of unpaid work.
Understanding the Consequences
A police investigation found that the ring had garnered nearly 4,000 subscribers, earning the duo over £320,000 in three years. According to the county council, test purchases by FACT and BT led to the case being referred to Trading Standards and entry warrants being executed at both their addresses.
The Role of FACT in Combating Illegal Streaming
The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), which acts for the Premier League, Sky, and BT Sport, helped form Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006 which criminalizes the act of obtaining any kind of service dishonestly. Kieron Sharp, CEO of FACT, emphasized the importance of cracking down on illegal streaming services to protect the rights of content creators.
The Danger of Jailbreaking Devices
It’s not just Sky gadgets that can be jailbroken, but Amazon Fire Sticks can be illegally modified too. British police issued a fresh warning to Fire Stick owners over illegal streaming after revealing that around 19% of people illegally streamed content over a three-month period. In December 2023, two arrests were made over a Telegram channel selling illegal Fire Sticks and access to premium Sky packages, generating over £800,000 for those involved.
Collaborative Efforts to Combat Illegal Streaming
Matt Hibbert, Director of Anti-Piracy, UK and ROI, at Sky, expressed gratitude to the forces involved for arresting individuals involved in illegal streaming activities. Hibbert reiterated Sky’s commitment to shutting down organized networks engaged in large-scale theft of content and protecting consumers from the risks associated with accessing content illegally.
By staying informed about the legal implications of using streaming devices and avoiding illegal subscriptions, households can protect themselves from the legal consequences that come with supporting unauthorized streaming services.