IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television and it’s all about the transmission and broadcast of TV programs. This is done via a conduit known as the Internet Protocol. IPTV allows you to enjoy content from different channels. All you have to do is subscribe to your favorite one and you’re good to go. Once you complete the subscription process, you may start streaming shows from an IPTV player of your choice.
Now, IPTV has come under fire lately from people who’re doubting its legality. If you’re reading this then you’re probably feeling concerned about the same thing. Read on to find out why some IPTV users facing fines have decided to discontinue the use of the service. Also what you can do to protect yourself.
What is IPTV?
IPTV is a service that allows you to catch your favorite TV shows through the Internet instead of watching them through satellite TV. IPTV works differently to YouTube and Netflix. It offers users with various streaming links which you can only play through an IPTV player. While most people use subscription-based IPTV players, there are free versions available as well.
Watching TV through cable or satellite methods means you can only watch the shows in real time. So there are usually no rewind features. An IPTV, on the other hand, allows you to stream your favorite shows at any time. This means you can rewind and re-watch shows that have already been broadcasted.
Is It Legal?
There’s no cookie-cutter answer to this question, as it depends on “how” you watch the shows. Most IPTVs are legal while some are illegal, based on the TV programs they broadcast and how they source those programs.
Case Number 1
It’s completely legal to watch content from an legit IPTV service that you have subscribed to. However, downloading the content is illegal because you’re basically acquiring copyrighted material, which you’ll probably share with someone else.
Case Number 2
Like we mentioned, there are free and paid IPTV services available. Whichever option you choose, make sure that what you are streaming is totally legal. Keep in mind that content providers have the right to take legal action against IPTV users. This is for users who record or stream recorded copyrighted content.
Case Number 3
It’s legal in most countries to watch IPTV. The IPTV users facing fines are usually being punished for downloading or recording the content, which is illegal. This changes quickly if you subscribed to IPTV provider who does not have the rights to stream the content.
Are Users Being Accused of Streaming Free Content?
In most cases, it’s the IPTV users who have to take the heat through suspension of their Internet access. There are many cases like this in the UK and US, where broadcasters have taken legal action against IPTV users who engage in copyright infringement. Remember that it’s becoming easier to track what people do and watch online thanks to technological advancements, so you should always be vigilant. Keep in mind also that the companies who take legal action against IPTV users are always on the lookout for anyone that’s watching illegal content.
What is Happening with the Latest Crackdown?
There’s an increasing number of IPTV users facing fines and we all know about the numerous Kodi scandals. But, there’s a new, major illegal streaming scandal that’s rocking the industry and for once it doesn’t involve the infamous Kodi TV player.
The latest perpetrator is a service known as SET TV which is allegedly providing pirated content. What sets SET TV apart is the fact that they’re a subscription service which means users have to pay a monthly fee to access the 500+ live TV channels. This opens up a world of entertainment that includes thousands of on-demand shows.
SET TV claims to be the “best premium IPTV service” although it charges a subscription fee of $20 per month. It’s a value-added service with no cancellation or activation fees, no contract and access to numerous HD channels. It’s worth noting that most of the content they provide comes from Netflix and other providers.
In fact, an increasing number of rights holders have taken to suing SET TV. This includes Warner Bros, Universal, Sony, Fox, Disney, Hollywood Studios, Netflix and Amazon. This group is known as the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment and it’s starting to look like they’re set to make an example out of SET TV.
In an official statement, ACE expressed that SET TV and similar piracy software are damaging the legal TV and film market because they threaten an industry that supports millions of people every year.
ACE went to on state that they’re devoted to championing the cause of reducing online piracy as much as possible, in order to protect the integrity of the creative industry. That’s why this lawsuit against SET TV is so important and it’s echoed in the legal action against IPTV users.
Other services and add-ons are taking note and shutting down their operations in an effort to avoid prosecution. One such example is Navi-X a service that has been around since 2007 but recently closed up shop due to the recent crackdown on its competitors.
It’s one of the many Kodi add-ons that are being shut down due to the legal problems currently surrounding Kodi and similar providers like IPTV.
Copyright owners are making it clear that illegal streaming has no place in the film and TV broadcasting business. Regulators are also showing support for this message by putting bans and blocks in place. This makes it harder for these services to continue with their illegal activities.
It’s becoming clear by the day that streaming pirated content is totally illegal and could land you in jail or at the very least, facing exorbitant fines. How do you know you’re accessing illegal content? Illegal content is any content that you access for free even though you know you should be paying for it. Therefore, the right’s owners have every right to take legal action against IPTV users and anyone else that contravenes copyright laws.
Conclusion
As IPTV users facing fines have realized, it’s important to look for a reputable providers before you hit that “subscribe” button. Generally, IPTV is a legal service which offers on-demand movies, TV programs and more. The legality of using this service depends on the country you’re in. The onus is on you to do your research and make sure that you’re on the right side of the law.
Due to the many dangers and unintended mistakes you can make online, we always recommend that you use a trusted VPN link IPVanish.
