Crackdown 'on dodgy boxes' - illegal TV streaming networks - now on in Offaly

A crackdown on so-called “dodgy boxes” - illegal TV streaming networks – is taking place in a number of counties across the country including Offaly.

Other counties being targeted in the crackdown include Tipperary, Mayo, Limerick, Meath, Dublin, Wexford, Cork, Wicklow,Kilkenny, Kildare and Donegal.

The crackdown is understood to be spearheaded by an an industry body set up to fight copyright infringement.

National media reports indicate that legal warnings have been sent to those involved in “providing illegal access to premium TV content”, including from Sky and the Premier League.

It is understood the main targets are a number of online portals and services which stream access to premium TV and sports content, often selling ads around that content.

‘Dodgy boxes’ typically bypass pay-TV controls, giving illegal access to movies, sport and other pay-TV services. Despite repeated warnings of illegality, they are still sold by some small retailers.

“Illegal IPTV service providers are a significant problem in Ireland,” said Keiron Sharp, CEO of the Federation Against Copyright Theft (Fact).

“This is criminal activity, and those involved are not concerned about the risks their streams pose to consumers.”

The industry group claims that accessing content from illegal providers “poses serious risks to consumers”. Research carried out by Dynata in 2022, it says, showed that almost half of respondents who illegally stream say they, or someone they know, has been a victim of scams, ID theft, fraud or data loss.

However, a spokesperson for Fact said that the current enforcement focus is on the providers, rather than people who bought dodgy boxes to try and save money.

Earlier this year, the industry group joined police in visiting homes across the UK, serving notices to individuals to cease illegal streaming activities immediately “and informing users of the associated risks, including criminal prosecution”, according to a spokesperson for the group.