Individuals in Cork and Limerick have been targeted in the latest ‘dodgy box’ crack down.
Anti-piracy organisation FACT (The Federation Against Copyright Theft) and Sky have delivered legal warnings to 10 suspected illegal IPTV resellers across Ireland in the latest phase of their campaign against content piracy.
Illegal IPTV resellers sell subscriptions directly to members of the public, giving them unauthorised access to premium television, films and live sport.
Nick Sumner, FACT Investigation Manager, said that illegal streaming depends on a chain of people who promote, sell and provide access to unauthorised content.
“Resellers are often the direct link between illegal streaming operations and members of the public. They sell subscriptions locally through personal recommendations, social media and messaging services, while exposing customers to unreliable services and wider risks involving fraud, malware and the misuse of personal information.
“The individuals targeted have been given an opportunity to stop their illegal activity. Those who fail to comply should be under no illusion: the next step could involve civil legal action or referral to the Gardaí,” Mr Sumner said.
Cork and Limerick locals have been targeted in the latest enforcement action, along with resellers in Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Galway and Laoise, who were served legal warning after FACT and Sky investigators identified individuals and their addresses.
Cease-and-desist notices issued instructed those targeted to stop selling illegal IPTV subscriptions, commonly known as ‘dodgy boxes’, immediately or risk further action, including civil proceedings or referral to the Gardaí.
Collectively, the services are believed to have supplied thousands of end-users and those accessing illegal services should be aware that their details may be identified and passed to authorities.
The latest campaign places the focus on the supply of illegal subscriptions, demonstrating that resellers continue to face investigation and potential legal action as part of the wider effort to disrupt piracy across Ireland.
Earlier this year, Sky obtained a High Court order requiring Revolut to disclose the details of 304 subscribers and 10 resellers linked to the illegal streaming service IPTV is Easy. Sky subsequently issued cease-and-desist letters to around 200 individuals who had paid for unlawful subscriptions.
