Watchdog Fires a warning shot
Legal threats issued to TV ‘dodgy box’ dealers
IRISH “dodgy box” sellers were targeted by a UK copyright watchdog in a major crackdown spanning 10 counties.
FACT issued 22 legal warnings to pirates flogging modified Amazon Fire Sticks or other “fully-loaded” smart TV devices.
The organisation said their “cease and desist” letters warned sellers to stop all illegal streaming activity.
They said if they didn’t stop they risked facing criminal prosecution.
A “dodgy box” allows users to access illegally streamed content such as movies, sports, and pay per view events along with regular TV channels.
They are usually flogged on a subscription basis, at a fraction of the actual cost.
Amazon Fire Sticks are one of the most popular devices used to watch illegal content and can be accessed through an app.
FACT said addresses in Dublin, Cork, Meath, Westmeath, Kilkenny, Clare, Limerick, Louth, Galway, and Monaghan were targeted between January 22 and February 2.
FACT said it was already having an impact with the vast majority of illegal streaming services shut down.
Its chief operating officer Eddy Leviten 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 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.”
Two operations also took place in March and August last year.
FACT said the crackdowns were part of an ongoing commitment to eliminate illegal streaming throughout Ireland and protect consumers from the risks posed by illegal streaming services.
FACT also revealed that “significant financial settlements” have been reached with some sellers, while others are being pursued through the courts.
They said that in September last year, two men were sentenced at Belfast Crown Court for the illegal sale of devices used for the provision of pirated TV channels, and the supply of streaming services.
Padraig Mcvicker was sentenced to eight months in prison and Gary Doherty was given 175 hours of community service.
In December, a Dublin man who sold 81 Android TV boxes was slapped with an 18-month suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.