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Thousands Of Kodi Box Users To Receive Police Letter Threatening Jail

Thousands Of Kodi Box Users To Receive Police Letter Threatening Jail

They are being warned against using illegal apps

Amelia Ward

Amelia Ward

More than 7,000 people who are suspected to be watching TV illegally will receive police letters this week, warning they could face jail.

The letters are targeting those who are suspected of using IPTV and Kodi boxes to stream channels like Sky Sports, with police warning they could be subject to legal action.

The cease and desist letter will essentially tell users to stop using the devices, warning them that should they continue to break the law, they could face a maximum of five years in prison.

As reported by Chronicle Live, Kieron Sharp, CEO of the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), said: "These notices are a direct and alarming wake up call for people using illegal streams.

"If you use illegal streaming services you are accountable for your actions and you will be pursued.

"This is not a grey area and it is not worth the risk."

Kodi and IPTV are often used to watch sports channels.
PA

Kodi boxes themselves are legal devices used to stream things like Netflix and YouTube, but they can be used to stream other content.

Add-on apps are often used to watch sport channels for free. Police in the UK and Kodi both describe them as 'criminal'.

The latest notices are set to be sent out to residents in northern England, but letters have been sent in other parts of the country over recent months.

The notice makes it clear that forces will be checking on subscribers, saying an investigation will be launched if the warning is ignored.

The operation is part of an ongoing investigation designed to stop illegal streaming and those who profit from it.

Olivia Dodding from Lancashire Police Cyber Crime Unit said: "People who subscribe to these services might not realise that they are illegal, but the fact is they are, and we believe that the people who sell them know that.

"What may cost you a relatively small one-off fee, actually results in television producers and sports broadcasters losing millions of pounds which affects their ability to make and show sports events and entertainments series, which many of us enjoy watching.

"Anyone who subscribes to IPTV or any other illegal streaming service should stop now to avoid facing prosecutions themselves."

In 2017, the Premier League was granted a court order allowing bosses to block servers that were found to be facilitating the streaming of football matches.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News