Premier League threatens anti-piracy action against Ace TV customers

Customers of IPTV outfit Ace Hosting have their details handed over to the Premier League and other authorities.

The service, which until recently enabled customers to stream Premier League games illegally, has terminated all subscriptions. That’s because Ace Hosting has now gone into liquidation, after agreeing to pay the Premier League a copyright settlement amounting to £100,000.

According to TorrentFreak, the names and addresses of all Ace TV subscribers will be made “available for inspection” for two days, at some point within the next two weeks. The Premier League has confirmed that the personal details of Ace TV subscribers have indeed been exposed, which could lead to further investigations.

“Ace voluntarily disclosed the personal details of their customers, which the League will now review in compliance with data protection legislation. Further investigations will be conducted, and action taken where appropriate,” the Premier League said.

Ace reportedly also owes £353,000 to more than 15,000 “retail” and “business” customers, who have been left out of pocket after the firm’s closure.

However, in order to get their hands on their slice of this small fortune, affected customers have to apply using their personal details… potentially exposing themselves to legal action in the process.

All in all, this represents bad news for Ace Holdings and its customers, and a big win for the Premier League.

“This large settlement is further evidence that the law will catch-up with companies and individuals that think they can defraud rights owners and breach copyright. As a result of this payment the company is being liquidated and customers are being left out of pocket,” said Kevin Plumb, the director of legal services at the Premier League.

“Using these services is unlawful and fans should be aware that when they do so they enter into agreements with illegal businesses and risk being victims of fraud or identity theft by handing over personal data and financial details.”

He continued: “Our investment into cutting edge technology, combined with the ground-breaking High Court Blocking Order, means that it has never been harder for football pirates in the UK to survive. Quite apart from the huge disruption we are able to cause their services, settlements like this one, and the lengthy custodial sentences that we have also seen this season, highlight just how risky an environment it now is for pirates.“