Dodgy box crackdown
Wave of action targets sellers of illegal devices offering premium TV for cheap
A WAVE of action targeting sellers of devices offering illegal access to premium TV channels – or so-called ‘dodgy boxes’ – has been launched by anti-copyright theft campaigners.
The latest crackdown focuses on those selling modified or ‘fully loaded’ smart TV devices, such as Amazon Fire Sticks.
FACT – the Federation Against Copyright Theft – and its partners issued a total of 22 legal warnings as part of the operation, with ‘cease-and-desist’ notices being delivered in person, by post and by email.
The cease-and-desist notices instruct those selling the modified Fire Sticks to immediately stop all illegal streaming activity or risk facing the consequences, including criminal prosecution.
So-called ‘dodgy boxes’ allow users to by-pass TV security so viewers can watch premium channels including subscription-only sports and movie channels.
Addresses in Dublin, Cork, Meath, Westmeath, Kilkenny, Clare, Limerick, Louth, Galway and Monaghan were targeted between January 22 and February 2.
The action is already having an impact and further measures will be taken against those who fail to comply, says FACT.
Eddy Leviten, the organisation’s chief operating officer, said: ‘By taking these measures we are sending a clear message: piracy is a crime, and it is taken seriously. FACT will continue to monitor channels used to advertise and sell illegal streams, modified Fire Sticks, and other devices to take action against illegal IPTV suppliers and operators.
‘Operators of illegal IPTV – internet protocol television – services should be aware that not only are they committing an offence themselves, but they’re also putting consumers at real risk of malware, data loss and identity theft.
‘FACT and its partners are determined to disrupt these criminal operations and non-compliance with the notices could lead to further law enforcement action’.
This is the third enforcement operation to sweep the country after one in March last year and a second in August. FACT says it is part of an ‘ongoing commitment to eliminate illegal streaming in the country and protect consumers from the risks posed by illegal streaming services’.
Recent data commissioned by the BeStreamWise initiative, which aims to raise awareness of those risks, show one in three people in the country who illegally stream say they, or someone they know, have been a victim of fraud, scams, or identity theft as a result, a recent survey found.
Since the enforcement operation began last year, more than 60 targets have been engaged with, resulting in the vast majority of illegal services being taken down, impacting tens of thousands who would have watched the streams.
Significant financial settlements have been reached with those identified as having stolen revenue from rights-holders. The outstanding few who have not engaged with the process are currently being pursued through the courts.
In September last year, two men were sentenced at Belfast Crown Court for the illegal sale of devices used for provision of pirated TV channels, and the supply of streaming services. Padraig McVicker, of Stanhope Street, Belfast, was sentenced to eight months in jail and Gary Doherty, of Corrina Avenue in Dunmurry, was given 175 hours community service.