Users who stream illegally could see their details exposed

[Len]

KODI fans have been put on red alert after it was revealed add-on users could see their details exposed and even revealed to the authorities.

Kodi add-on users are being warned that some of them are at risk of seeing their names and addresses exposed within the next few weeks.

And these sensitive details could even be handed over directly to authorities involved in the ongoing online piracy crackdown.

The Kodi surge continues without any sign of stopping, as users continue to ditch paid TV services for the online player.

Research has suggested Kodi - which offers access to thousands of channels - is being used in more than five million UK homes.

Kodi software is not illegal, but developers can produce third-party add-ons that provide free access to pirated and illegal content.

These apps allow users to stream premium content, like paid-for sports, movie channels and TV shows for free.

The illegal add-ons are being targeted by ISPs, government agencies, broadcasters and rights holders.

And now users of one streaming service that had its own dedicated Kodi add-on could see their details exposed.

The names and addresses of all subscribers of Ace Hosting will be made “available for inspection” within the next few weeks, TorrentFreak reported.

The IPTV firm until recently enabled customers to stream Premier League games illegally.

But now Ace Hosting, which had its own Kodi add-on, is no longer available after going into liquidation.

The IPTV firm has shut up shop after reportedly agreeing to pay the Premier League a copyright settlement amounting to £100,000.

However, Ace Hosting reportedly also owes £353,000 to more than 15,000 retail and business customers.

Those who have been left out of pocket because of Ace’s closure can apply to get some of it back.

But that could be considerably risky for them.

Documentation Torrent Freak saw revealed customer details could be passed onto relevant authorities if there is any suggestion of “unlawful conduct”.

It read: “Creditor claims have not yet been adjudicated but we estimate that the majority of customers who paid for subscription services will receive less than £3 if there is a distribution to unsecured creditors.

“Furthermore, customer details will be passed to the relevant authorities if there is any suggestion of unlawful conduct.”

Even if subscribers opt against applying for some of their money back, they are still being warned that their details at risk.

Liquidators are in the process of deciding whether to hand over subscribers’ personal details to the Premier League and / or the authorities.

In any case, at some point within the next few weeks the names and addresses off all subscribers will be made “available for inspection” for two days.

This means that any interested parties could potentially get access to the sensitive information during that window of opportunity.

On a Reddit page dedicated to Ace TV subscribers have already reported getting letters from the liquidators.

One started the discussion off by saying: “Hey. Anyone get an email from Begbies Traynor about getting refunded as they are voluntary Liquidation company. Looks suspect.”

To which one Redditor responded: “Bit worried about the line about my details being given to the premier league, anyone heard of anything similar happening before”.

While another posted: “Think they will try and go after people individually to scare people. They will always try and make an example.”

And one wrote: “I can sadly confirm they have sent the list to the lawyers which sounds like the EPL will receive them”.