SKY Ireland is warning thousands of households that dodgy box users and distributors will face “consequences” if caught illegally streaming content.
It’s believed that at least 400,000 people in Ireland use a dodgy box to access content.
Dodgy boxes allow people to illegally stream television content including premium sports, movies and other programmes.
It is illegal to own, sell or use one in Ireland under The Copyright Act 2000.
If caught, it could lead to fines of up to €127,000 or prison sentences of up to five years.
Sky Ireland and other industry bodies will shortly appear before the High Court.
The appearance comes after an injunction and search order was issued against a potential operator of an illegal streaming service in Wexford.
Two others linked to the dodgy box operation were issued cease-and-desist orders.
Issued by Federation Against Copyright Theft, it warned them they would face criminal prosecution if they failed to stop “illicit streaming activities”.
Sky Ireland CEO JD Buckley told the Irish Independent: “This action marks an important step in our ongoing efforts to combat illegal streaming in Ireland.
“We continuously evolve our investigative strategies to crack down on illegal streaming and protect consumers from risks including malware, fraud and identity theft.
“Further action will follow with consequences for those identified as operating illegal services and for those who watch them.”
The Data Protection Commission confirmed that it has been engaging with Sky on efforts to clampdown on the illegal streaming devices.
USE OF PERSONAL DATA
This relates to Sky’s use of personal data in an effort to clamp down on the issue.
DPC Chairperson Dr Des Hogan told RTE: “There are legitimate reasons why companies might decide that they want to take action against fraud.
“However, the use of personal data would be the question for us, and whether that’s been done in an appropriate, ethical manner.”
He revealed that both parties have been in talks for some time, and will have a meeting in two weeks.
Hogan added: “Any sharing of personal data, or processing of that personal data outside a company has to be done in a lawful manner under the GDPR.
“So that will be the focus of our discussions, and has been the focus of our discussions with Sky and we’re hopeful we’ll see a successful landing point from those discussions.”
It’s understood that Sky has confirmed it has been in talks with the DPC regarding this issue for some time.
A spokesperson said: “We look forward to continuing our discussions with them on this important matter.”
