Sky TV block as new police clampdown stops UK homes from watching for free
The trend of millions of viewers ditching monthly fees for premium TV and resorting to illegal streams is no secret. Devices such as the so-called "dodgy Fire TV Sticks" have surged in popularity, offering full access to sports and films for a modest annual payment - some even provide streams for free.
Naturally, this rise in viewing without paying the appropriate fees hasn't slipped under the radar.
Authorities and content providers are not only cautioning consumers about the risks of illegal streaming but also attempting to shut down unofficial streaming services, and the latest clampdown has done just that.
It's been confirmed that a recent operation has completely disrupted an illegal streaming platform, with two individuals in their 30s also being arrested.
A team from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) conducted searches at two residential addresses in Oldbury and a data centre in Cheltenham, reports the Mirror.
A 30 year old man, suspected of operating the illegal streaming service, and a 32 year old woman, suspected of distributing copyright-infringing material and receiving criminal property, were both taken into custody.
A PIPCU investigation suggests that the man and woman made substantial profits from the service. In addition to making those arrests, content servers have also been seized, meaning they are no longer transmitting streams to those who may have subscribed.
Detective Constable Daryl Fryatt, from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police, issued a stark warning following the recent arrests, saying: "This activity should serve as a reminder that PIPCU will pursue criminals who seek to profit from illegal streaming and disrupt their operations. This is a crime that diverts funds away from the creative and entertainment industries, money that supports thousands of technical and support staff. At the same time, it exposes end users to the risks of data theft, fraud and malware."
Additionally, Matt Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, expressed his thanks: "We are extremely grateful to the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit for taking this action against a significant pirate operation."
He also stated Sky's commitment to the fight against piracy: "We will continue to work alongside the police and industry partners to tackle piracy and disrupt the criminal networks behind it. This action helps to keep consumers safe from the serious risks that piracy can pose to devices and personal property."
Streaming content illegally comes with various concerns and risks to households.
While the likelihood of jail time for viewers of illegal streams is minimal, there is more to be concerned about. Risks associated with the use of unauthorised Fire TV Sticks and other streaming apparatus include exposure to malware and inappropriate content.
It's also worth considering that such methods often contribute financially to criminal operations, making the seemingly attractive deals far from risk-free.
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