The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has published guidance on illicit streaming devices (ISD), stating that so-called ‘Kodi’ and other illegal IPTV set-top boxes and sticks should be avoided.
Defining illicit streaming as 'the watching of content without the copyright owner’s permission by any means, not just via hardware devices', it warns of the risks associated with the devices, including lack of parental controls and electrical safety.
'Where devices and their power cables have been tested, some have failed EU safety standards and have the potential to present a real danger to the public, causing a fire in your home or premises,' the guidance states.
Streaming is now available on a wide range of devices, including tablets, phones and set-top boxes, known collectively as illicit streaming devices.
Although legal 'when used to watch legitimate, free to air, content', they become illegal once they are 'adapted to stream illicit content, for example TV programmes, films and subscription sports channels without paying the appropriate subscriptions.'
The guidance points to sales descriptions such as ‘fully loaded, jail broken, plug and play or subscription gift’ as giveaways that a device is functioning as an ISD.
Advising users on what to do if they already own an ISD, it says: 'These devices can be used legally by removing the software. If you are unsure, get advice to help you use the device legally.
'If you wish to watch content that’s only available via subscription, such as sports, you should approach the relevant provider to find out about legal ways to watch.'
Noting that the creative industries contributes £84.1 billion to the UK economy, the IPO adds, 'If you are not paying for this content, you are depriving industry of the revenue it needs to fund the next generation of TV programmes, films and sporting events we all enjoy.
'Instead it provides funds for the organised criminals who sell or adapt these illicit devices.'
To read the guidance in full, visit the gov.uk website here.
Defining illicit streaming as 'the watching of content without the copyright owner’s permission by any means, not just via hardware devices', it warns of the risks associated with the devices, including lack of parental controls and electrical safety.
'Where devices and their power cables have been tested, some have failed EU safety standards and have the potential to present a real danger to the public, causing a fire in your home or premises,' the guidance states.
Streaming is now available on a wide range of devices, including tablets, phones and set-top boxes, known collectively as illicit streaming devices.
Although legal 'when used to watch legitimate, free to air, content', they become illegal once they are 'adapted to stream illicit content, for example TV programmes, films and subscription sports channels without paying the appropriate subscriptions.'
The guidance points to sales descriptions such as ‘fully loaded, jail broken, plug and play or subscription gift’ as giveaways that a device is functioning as an ISD.
Advising users on what to do if they already own an ISD, it says: 'These devices can be used legally by removing the software. If you are unsure, get advice to help you use the device legally.
'If you wish to watch content that’s only available via subscription, such as sports, you should approach the relevant provider to find out about legal ways to watch.'
Noting that the creative industries contributes £84.1 billion to the UK economy, the IPO adds, 'If you are not paying for this content, you are depriving industry of the revenue it needs to fund the next generation of TV programmes, films and sporting events we all enjoy.
'Instead it provides funds for the organised criminals who sell or adapt these illicit devices.'
To read the guidance in full, visit the gov.uk website here.
