Anti-piracy organisations are stepping up their fight against illegal TV viewing using Kodi boxes.

Geordies who illegally stream films or TV shows through their Kodi boxes could be in for a surprise. A crackdown will see internet service providers send letters when they detect a broadband connection has been used to pirate TV shows. And it could be the first step to getting a fine.
Meanwhile copyright investigators are targeting rogue traders and users right here in the North East. Here we look at what’s going on.


I have a Kodi box. Am I going to get a fine?

Calm down. It’s not the possession of a Kodi box that’s the problem. Kodi boxes themselves are perfectly legal so there’s no reason to worry unless the box has an add-on that is being used to get around pay-per-view rules. It’s the add-on that is the problem. These add-ons could be put in place by a rogue trader or by a mate in the know. There are some pre-loaded boxes that could get you into trouble as well.


Who’s rocking the boat?

The emergence of Kodi and its rapid growth has led to organisations such as the Federation of Copyright Theft (FACT) getting upset. They say half of their current investigations are about the devices. It says boxes reconfigured to receive premium rate content, including films and TV series, are illegal.
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO), a government department, is also gearing up to take on the pirates.

“We are aware that set-top boxes, while perfectly legal in their own right, are frequently adapted by criminals to illegally receive TV channels protected by intellectual property rights,” they said.

“The government is working with its partners in industry and with police forces across the country to target criminals looking to profit from this activity.”


Oh, come on. It’s a victimless crime, isn’t it?

FACT says otherwise. They say: “Protection of copyright is important in ensuring our creative industries continue to flourish and the jobs of the people behind the scenes such as carpenters, costume designers and sound engineers, are protected.”And there’s always a risk to the user.FACT says downloading illegal content can leave you exposed to malware, viruses, scams and fraud.


What about the North East. Is it going on here?

Yes, and there are investigations going on at the moment to fight it. Kieron Sharp, Director General of FACT, said: “Tackling illegally modified IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) devices and set-top boxes is a major priority for us at FACT.

“Over the past few years we have undertaken many operations targeting sellers and distributors of these devices including a multi-agency crack down in the North East.

“We continue to work with the IPO and police forces across the country to crackdown on the issue.

“If you come across a device that is offering films still showing at the cinema or premium pay-for TV services without a subscription from an official provider, such as Sky, BT or Virgin Media, then it is most probably illegal.

“Our strong advice is to stay clear of any service or product that offers ways to dodge direct subscriptions.

“If you want to enjoy and watch premium pay-for channels, go directly to the official provider.

“As the old saying goes, if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.”


Is this crackdown just a load of hot air. They’re not actually going to do anything, are they?

A typical letter to a user will refer to the current scheme Get It Right advising people on illegal content. It could say: “Get it Right is a Government-backed campaign acting for copyright owners who think their content’s been shared without their permission.

“It looks like someone has been using your broadband to share copyrighted material (that means things like music, films, sport or books).

“And as your broadband provider, we have to let you know when this happens.”


It is not yet clear what happens if users repeatedly ignore the letters but fines are a possibility.


Has anyone been in trouble through this?

There is a case going through at the moment which is seen as something of a test case. The confusion around the legality of the boxes is so great that it could take a court case involving Middlesbrough resident Brian Thompson to help settle it. Mr Thompson is thought to be the first man brought to court to face allegations of selling pre-loaded Kodi or Android boxes. Thompson entered not guilty pleas at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, and a trial is expected to start before a judge on May 8. But even if he loses the trial, Brian has already said he intends to fight any decision - even hinting he could take the fight to Europe. That could result in a lengthy court process which could drag out a definitive ruling on the devices.


How can I tell if I am watching something illegally?

FACT has some tips in identifying illegal streaming sites.
They say: “Watch out for titles that have yet to be released or are still being shown in cinemas, they are more than likely to be pirate copies.

“The quality of illegal copies is usually inferior with poor sound and a blurry or shaky picture.

“Be cautious of offers for “free” content when searching for and purchasing downloads from unfamiliar sites. Look out for terms like “Unlimited Movie
Downloads,” “100% legal”, they usually indicate pirated product.”


Offers for on-time or yearly fees with no details or contact information should also be a warning that you may have entered an illegal site.

Source: ChronicleLive.co.uk