New Anti-Piracy Approach: Letters to Illegal Stream Viewers

Illegal streaming, colloquially known as a “dodgy box” or “dodgy stick,” has long been a thorn in the side of legitimate streaming services and broadcasters. The costs associated with illegal streaming are estimated to be in the billions, significantly impacting the entertainment industry. While historically enforcement efforts have focused on those supplying these illegal devices, Sky, Europe’s largest subscription broadcaster, recently took a new approach by reaching out directly to viewers.

In a recent move, Sky issued around 200 cease-and-desist letters to users in the Republic of Ireland, marking a departure from its previous enforcement strategies. This tactic followed legal action against an illegal supplier in County Wexford, which allowed Sky to obtain customer details associated with payments made to the supplier. The broadcaster then proceeded to warn users against illegally accessing their content and indicated a willingness to pursue legal action if necessary.

While owning a streaming device in the UK is not illegal, using that device to access copyrighted material through unauthorized apps violates the law. Individuals caught engaging in such activities may face criminal prosecution, fines, and civil action from rights holders. The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) contacted over 1,000 individuals in the UK in late 2025 following criminal investigations, cautioning them to cease using illegal streaming services to avoid potential legal repercussions.

Dr. Amy Thomas, an expert in intellectual property and information law at the University of Glasgow, highlighted the distinction between identifying users and proving copyright infringement. While speculative invoicing is often met with skepticism in legal proceedings, the intent behind these warning letters is likely to deter individuals from continuing to engage in illegal streaming practices.

The motivation behind using “dodgy boxes” is often rooted in the escalating costs of subscription services. Media analyst Paolo Pescatore noted that rising subscription fees, particularly for live sports, have driven some individuals to seek cheaper alternatives through illegal streaming. Students and sports fans have expressed frustration with the fragmented viewing experience resulting from multiple subscription requirements, pushing them towards illegal streaming as a more cost-effective option.

Estimates of the prevalence of illegal streaming vary, with millions of individuals across the UK accessing content from unauthorized sources. Similarly, reports suggest a substantial number of individuals in the Republic of Ireland may also be engaging in illegal streaming practices. While the exact figures are challenging to quantify accurately, it is evident that illegal streaming remains a significant issue within the entertainment industry.

As the fight against illegal streaming continues, the question of whether companies will pursue legal action against users remains. Legal experts like Neil Brown acknowledge the complexities involved in such endeavors, citing past legal battles in the music industry as cautionary tales. While the prospect of legal action against individual users is uncertain, the ongoing efforts to combat illegal streaming underscore the serious consequences associated with piracy in the digital age.