Sky has identified hundreds of individuals in Ireland using modified Amazon Fire TV Sticks and other devices to illegally stream Premier League football. These users have been sent letters demanding they cease unauthorized viewing within two weeks, or face legal repercussions.
The broadcast giant recently initiated legal action against Revolut Bank UAB after discovering that 304 of its subscribers had used the financial app to pay resellers of pirated content. In an initial wave of enforcement, Sky has issued cease-and-desist letters to approximately 200 individuals subscribing to the illicit IPTV service “Easy.”
A Sky spokesperson told the Irish Times, “Where an individual does not engage with us following receipt of this letter, Sky is prepared to pursue legal action. This may include seeking an injunction, damages arising from the infringement, and recovery of legal costs.”
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Sky emphasizes that those targeted had subscribed to services granting access to Sky channels without paying for legitimate subscriptions, often through modified devices. “This is illegal as Sky owns the legal rights to the Sky channels,” the company said.
This crackdown comes amid Sky’s recently renewed agreement for Premier League broadcast rights, valued at £6.7 billion over four years. Sky secured four out of five packages available, ensuring exclusive coverage of at least 215 live matches, including all final-day fixtures. TNT Sports holds the rights to 52 matches, while the BBC continues to air weekly highlights via “Match of the Day.”
Sky’s firm stance highlights its commitment to protecting intellectual property and combating piracy in the evolving digital streaming landscape.