A third wave of action has been launched across the country targeting those selling illegal access to premium TV content, with Cork and Limerick amongst the counties targeted. The latest round of action launched by FACT – one of the world’s leading intellectual property protection organisations – focuses on those selling modified or ‘fully loaded’ smart TV devices, such as Amazon Fire Sticks.
FACT and its partners issued a total of 22 legal warnings as part of the operation, with ‘cease and desist’ notices being delivered in person, by post and by email. The cease-and-desist notices instruct those selling the modified Fire Sticks to immediately stop all illegal streaming activity otherwise risk facing the consequences, including criminal prosecution.
Addresses across Cork, Limerick, Dublin, Meath, Westmeath, Kilkenny, Clare, Louth, Galway and Monaghan, have been targeted between 22nd January and 2nd February.
MAKING AN IMPACT
The action is already having an impact, with the vast majority of illegal streaming services being shut down. Further action will be taken against those who fail to comply.
This is the third enforcement operation – the first two took place in March and August 2023 and are part of an ongoing commitment to eliminate illegal streaming in the country and protect consumers from the risks posed by illegal streaming services.
Since the enforcement operation began last year, more than 60 targets have been engaged with, resulting in the vast majority of illegal services being taken down, impacting tens of thousands who would have watched the streams. Significant financial settlements have been reached with those identified as having stolen revenue from rightsholders. The outstanding few who have not engaged with the process are currently being pursued through the courts.
