19-06-2025
Can I get in trouble for having a 'dodgy box' in my home?
The Data Protection Commission said they are engaging with Sky in a fresh clampdown on 'dodgy boxes'.
It comes as the broadcaster issued a 'consequences' warning to thousands of dodgy box users if they are caught streaming content illegally. Pic: Getty Images
'Dodgy boxes' are devices which allow users to watch pay TV channels illegally.
Sellers provide customers with codes or links to watch streamed premium content, including sports, movies and more.
Typically, the content is downloaded onto an Amazon Fire Stick, which can be plugged into a TV.
Sellers have a range of services, ranging in different prices, with some as low as €50 annually.
The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) are working alongside An Garda Síochána as part of the clampdown on illegal streaming operators. Typically, the content is downloaded onto an Amazon Fire Stick which can be plugged into a TV. Pic: Getty Images
Sellers are 'breaking the law, making criminal profits and putting consumers at real risk of malware, data loss and identity theft,' Kieron Sharp, chairman of FACT states.
Under the Copyright Act 2000 it is illegal to see or use a 'dodgy box,' with those breaking the law facing a fine of up to €127,000 or a maximum prison sentence of five years.
FACT also state that many of the piracy networks are linked to organised crime, with profits gained from selling the service likely used to fund other illegal activities. The illicit streaming of Internet Protocol Television is a copyright offence under Section 140 of the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000. Pic: Getty Images
The clampdown on 'dodgy boxes' started in 2023 following a rise in the use of the illegal platforms.
It came following an EU report that Ireland had the sixth highest use of the gadgets across Europe with 171,000 people using the services.
While Gardaí previously focused on the sale of the gadgets, rather than leisurely use, it is still a punishable offence to use a dodgy box at home.
A statement from An Garda Síochána told 'The Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) Intellectual Property Crime Unit works with industry and service providers to investigate and prevent illicit streaming, this encompasses all content and not exclusively sports content.
The illicit streaming of Internet Protocol Television is a copyright offence under Section 140 of the Copyright and related rights Act 2000.
Last year, a married father-of-four was jailed for the possession of nearly €1m in criminal proceeds from his illegal streaming business.
Ciaran Donovan had been operating King Kong Media which charged customers for codes to access pay TV channels such as Sky and BT Sports.
Donovan was sentenced to three years and four months with the final two years suspended for a 30-month period on several conditions — including that he does not engage in any activity involving illegal TV streaming.
