Ireland is among the “highest in Europe” for illegal streaming, according to Newstalk tech correspondent Jess Kelly.
It comes as 22 cease and desist letters have been sent to people in Ireland this week suspected of selling so-called ‘dodgy boxes’ that contain torrented material.
The warnings were issued in ten different counties between January 22nd and February 2nd as part of a broader campaign, led by the Federation Against Copyright Theft, to combat illegal streaming.
On The Hard Shoulder today, Ms Kelly said the dodgy boxes have really taken off in Ireland.
“We’re one of the highest in Europe when it comes to the use of dodgy boxes now,” she said.
“Around 5% of people in this country are benefitting from this sophisticated technology.
“And, to reiterate, they are saving a bucket tonne of money by doing it.”
Users not targeted
Users of dodgy boxes are not being targeted at this point, according to Ms Kelly.
“This doesn’t mean you are going to get a knock on the door,” she said.
“The actions being taken are going after the people selling and facilitating the service you get if you own a dodgy box – they’re after the middle man.”
An Amazon Firestick and remote. Image: Homesh Nasre / Alamy Stock PhotoMs Kelly said dodgy boxes come in “all shapes and sizes”.
“Back in the day they did look like an old Sky Box and they would come loaded with all of the channels,” she said.
“Since technology has evolved, they have now managed to get them into the body of an Amazon Firestick which looks like an old-school USB key that would plug into the back of your telly.
“It’s important to state Amazon has nothing to do with the facilitation of dodgy boxes.
“What happens is people bulk buy them because they are so affordable, then they preload them with software and get access to streams being bounced around the world.”
Cheap alternative
Ms Kelly said the cost of the likes of Netflix, Disney + and Amazon Prime is leading to people looking for cheaper alternatives - as a dodgy box subscription can cost as little as €10 per month.
“Back in the day when Netflix came to Ireland, we thought it was going to revolutionize everything,” she said.
“We thought everything was going to be on demand, you pay six quid a month and everything will be there.
“As more of these streaming services come on board you feel like you're bleeding money just to feel involved with conversations around the office.”
According to Irish copyright law, anyone found using or selling dodgy boxes could face fines of up to €127,000 and five years in prison.
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Main image: A man surrounded by computer monitors. Image: YAY Media AS / Alamy Stock Photo
