Today, anti-piracy group FACT announced that it has successfully completed yet another sweep. In collaboration with rightsholders, including Sky, the group helped police to identity various ‘sellers’ of so-called pirate streaming devices.

The targets reportedly offered ‘fully loaded’ smart TV devices or Firesticks, which can be used in combination with pirate IPTV subscriptions.

FACT mentions that 40 illegal ‘IPTV operators’ were served with official warnings. They were either notified via mail by FACT and police, or visited at their home, where a cease-and-desist notice was delivered personally.

The term ‘IPTV operator’ isn’t explained in detail but since the 40 seemingly got off with a warning, it’s unlikely that they played a central part in the broader IPTV piracy ecosystem.

These interventions took place across the UK, including in London, South East England, West Midlands, North West, North East, North Wales and Scotland. According to FACT, it’s part of a larger campaign that aims to disrupt piracy operations.

In addition to the warnings, police also executed three warrants, resulting in three arrests and house searches. All three suspects have since been released, but investigations remain ongoing.

  • HelloThere@sh.itjust.works
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    3 months ago

    Might as well ban Chromecast and Apple TVs then as both can also be used to stream pirated content.

    I have been told.

    By a stranger in a pub.

    Allegedly.

    • Echo Dot@feddit.uk
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      3 months ago

      I actually got sick of the Chromecast. It’s such a pain to use, you may as well just set up something to stream from your PC. Microscopic extra trouble of turning the computer on before you use the TV is worth it not to have to deal with the awful UX of Chromecast.