IPTV warning to anyone selling dodgy sticks after $30m fine handed out to one man

A whopping $30 million bill has landed at the feet of one man after selling access to illegal IPTV streaming platforms.

It's the latest court action to reach a conclusion that isn't favourable for those who think they can get away with illegally supplying copyrighted content; whether that be TV shows, films, or premium TV channels and live sport.

It follows on from a huge win for Sky, via Google, that could change how authorities tackle IPTV forever.

Illegal streaming has faced a tough time in 2024, with a number of measures taken across the world to cut the supply to illegal streaming websites or illicit Internet Protocol television (IPTV).

The Premier League has taken its fight global, issuing a 'stark warning' when it comes to watching content without paying for subscriptions. Other IPTV apps are being taken down via a new 'track and trace' system.

Netflix, Amazon, Disney and five other media giants have also teamed up to try and prosecute one IPTV provider that has allegedly been using jailbroken Amazon Fire TV Sticks.

A new form of anti-piracy technology known as Piracy Shield has also been brought in that could stop illegal streaming for good.

An Amazon Fire TV Stick is often used by pirates to provide illegal streaming access. (Wikimedia Commons)

And now, one satellite TV provider has successfully prosecuted an IPTV reseller. In doing so, they've been ordered to pay $30 million (£24 million).

DISH Network and its subsidiary company Sling TV are behind the lawsuit, which was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

Court documents state that a Mr John Gwaka Magembe provided and profited from the sale of an 'illicit streaming service known as Beast TV aka Chanels4Cheap'.

Watching premium sport on IPTV is illegal. (Getty Stock Images)

DISH carried out undercover purchases of the IPTV services being sold by Magembe, with four packages being sold by the Texas resident ranging from $15 a month to $120 a year. That included access to thousands of HD channels, sports coverage, films, and premium pay-per-view (PPV) events.

Documents even reveal that Magembe was listed as one of the top 10 resellers of the Beast TV IPTV service.

The court ruled that Magembe shared DISH broadcasts without authorisation 'for purposes of commercial advantage and private financial gain'.

IPTV is often used to illegally access copyrighted films, shows, and premium live TV. (Getty Stock Images)

As a result, damages were awarded to DISH for $2,500 (£2,003) for each violation, with illegal access provided to more than 12,000 of Magembe's customers.

In total, given the extent of content provided and to thousands of people, a total of $30,055,000 (£24,084,874) was issued in statutory damages against Magembe.

So whether you're selling digital access or jailbroken dodgy sticks, the IPTV $30m warning is there to see in black and white.

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