Whyte v Parker fight: Fans may face ‘legal action’ over illegal streaming

[Len]

Watching sport via online live streams, and TV Players such as Kodi, has become hugely popular over the past few years but choosing to view in this way does come with its risks.

Watching content without the permission of the rights holder is illegal and could land you with a nasty fine.

And it’s worth remembering that it’s not just watching content that can get you in trouble as live streaming action on social media can also end in a big legal bill.

London law firm, Foot Anstey are warning that "Fans need to be aware that it is illegal to share a stream of a fight, even if you have paid to watch it."

“Many of those who have illegally shared previous fights on social media have been subject to legal action and been required to pay thousands of pounds in legal costs – don’t become one of them”.

Some fans have already felt the wrath of these laws with Yusuf Mohammed of Bristol being ordered to pay legal costs of over £16,000 and to disclose details about the money he made and people he colluded with for re-streaming Sky Sports content online illegally.

As well as the costs, Mr Mohammed had to pay Sky damages.

Another boxing fan was also ordered to pay substantial legal costs for sharing the Joshua vs Klitschko fight on Facebook.

Thousands of people enjoyed this blockbuster clash via a live stream for free which was viewed by some 4,250 people at its peak.

This was eventually traced back to the Sky account holder, Craig Foster, of Scarborough.

Foster explained that one of his friends live streamed the fight using an iPad, which was already logged into his Facebook account.

However, he finally agreed to pay £5,000 in legal costs to Sky.

"Don’t let your eagerness to tune in make you commit a crime,” said Detective Inspector Nick Court of the City of London Police’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit

“By using illegal streaming sites you can open yourself up to several risks; some set-top boxes do not go through rigorous electrical testing and are therefore at risk of catching fire or giving electric shocks. By using legitimate providers these risks can easily be avoided. Watch it live, watch it legally.”

And Kieron Sharp, from FACT, added: ”Whether it’s a re-stream on social media, a piracy site, or using a device, box or stick connected to your TV, avoiding the official provider to access the fight is illegal.

"FACT is leading the way in combatting digital piracy and working with PIPCU and the industry to crackdown on illegal streaming and to hold those behind them accountable for their actions.

"It is getting harder and harder to watch live sport illegally and so boxing fans should be aware that if they were planning to watch the fight this way they are breaking the law.”

This latest warning comes as the Premier League continues its war against those streaming football without permission.

The Premier League have just been granted a victory in court that will help in their fight against online piracy.

The order will affect BT, EE, Plusnet, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media.

So customers of these ISPs that are trying to watch illegal live streams of Premier League matches could be subjected to a sudden block.

The extension order was signed by Mr Justice Arnold.

In it he said: “[T]he requirement to notify hosting providers is made subject to a short delay.

“This is in order to prevent the order being circumvented.

“The evidence filed by FAPL in support of the application demonstrates that there have been attempts to circumvent the Second Order, and therefore this concern is a very real one.”

The Premier League 2018/19 season kicks off on August 10 2018, with the first game of the season Manchester United vs Leicester City.