Illegal streaming services shut down amid latest clampdown on Irish operators

The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) has confirmed that legal notices were served on 13 operators of illegal TV streaming services across Ireland in recent weeks.

The notices, relating to the provision of so-called 'dodgy boxes' were issued during an operation over two weeks in December, instructed the operators to immediately stop their illicit streaming activities or risk facing the consequences, including criminal prosecution.

According to FACT,  the 13 legal notices were served on operators in a number of counties, including Dublin, Cork, Donegal, Offaly, Limerick, Louth, Clare, Westmeath and Laois. "They were delivered in person, by post and through email and the outcome has been successful, resulting in services being shut down, deleted social media profiles, subscriptions being terminated and paid settlements agreed," said a spokesperson.

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The spokesperson added that such piracy networks are often linked to organised crime, with their profits potentially funding other illegal activities.

December's operation was the fourth wave of enforcement action since March 2023. To date,  almost 70 illegal services have been closed down across the country.

According to FACT, the action is having an impact on the piracy landscape in Ireland, with more operators being identified than ever before, with more illegal services being disrupted impacting tens of thousands of end-users who would have watched the streams.

Kieron Sharp, Chairman of FACT, commented: “Together with our partners we will continue to identify and take action against Illegal IPTV service providers. They are breaking the law, making criminal profits and putting consumers at real risk of malware, data loss and identity theft.   

"We want to protect consumers from these risks and operations such as this ensure the message goes out. It is not scaremongering; these are real criminal actions which consumers and their families are exposed to."

FACT, which says its investigations and operations are ongoing, says there have been a number of successful prosecutions in Ireland relating to illegal streaming - resulting, in some cases, in the imposition of prison sentences.