Kodi ban is not working as users find simple way to beat the block

[Len]

FULLY loaded Kodi-style boxes have been banned from sale on certain platforms since last year but it appears there’s a very simply way to beat the block.

Kodi’s popularity continues to grow at an alarming rate.

The TV Player allows users to view content online and is total legal to use, if you play by the rules.

Unfortunately its open platform means Kodi can be used to view totally illegally content via add-ons.

With millions thought to be accessing premium movies, shows and sports in this way, Kodi continues to be in the spotlight of the authorities.

One of the biggest issues for copyright holders are ‘fully loaded’ Kodi-style boxes which can be purchased online and offer instant access to thousands of hours of premium content including the latest Hollywood blockbusters and services such as Sky Sports.

A recent block by online sites such as eBay, Facebook and Amazon has made it harder for sellers to advertise their boxes but it seems some are beating the ban with a very simple trick.

Spotted on Facebook are adverts with certain keywords spelt incorrectly.

For example, one ad that is currently live on the popular website includes the wording Sly and Virmin instead of Sky and Virgin.

A quick search using these words brings up a number of sellers on Facebook with buyers then able to connect via messaging platforms.

One advert sees a Facebook user saying, ‘Information” with the seller replying, “I’ve messaged you buddy.”

Speaking about the issue Kieron Sharp, CEO of FACT, said: “Illicit streaming devices are illegal and unsafe.

“eBay, Facebook and Amazon have banned the sale of these devices, but criminals are beating the system by purposely misspelling brand names – we need to see tighter controls in place to help stop the sale of these devices.”

Express.co.uk has approached Facebook for comment but the firm has made it clear in the past that the selling of these devices is not allowed.

Facebook’s advertising policy now explicitly bans the sale of any streaming device that facilitates or encourages unauthorised access to digital media.

The social network confirmed to Express.co.uk last year that it tweaked its Commerce Policy to prohibit the sales of these so-called Kodi Boxes.

This latest news comes as the crackdown on illegal streaming looks set to take another major turn.

With so many users accessing premium content without paying for subscriptions it seems those producing content and even the US president himself have had enough.

Speaking during a recent ITIF discussion called ‘Unboxing the Piracy Threat of Streaming Media Boxes’, Neil Fried, Senior Vice President, Federal Advocacy and Regulatory Affairs at the Motion Picture Association of America, demanded illegal streaming needs to stop.

“There are legitimate businesses that are really being harmed here,” Fried said.

And he warned that those involved in this type of activity could face serious consequences.

“So, we've gone to the DoJ (Department of Justice) and said look this is criminal behaviour.

“We do a little of our own forensic work and get some referrals and the DoJ is looking at a variety of these candidates for criminal action.

“It’s hurting lots of economic activity and it openly hurts audiences because it’s hurting creators as they are not being paid for their work.

“This is theft, this is a crime and it needs to stop.”

To show how seriously America is taking the issues surrounding Kodi-style set-top boxes even US President, Donald Trump, has made his feeling clear.

“The U.S. is acting swiftly on Intellectual Property theft. We cannot allow this to happen as it has for many years!” Mr Trump threaten on Twitter.