Premier League fans who attempt to illegally stream football this weekend have been warned they could be ‘intercepted’ as part of a new anti-piracy initiative.
The proliferation of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) technology has significantly increased the incidence of illegal streaming of sports events in recent years.
A YouGov poll from last year revealed that one in ten Britons are now using illegal streams to watch sports, including Premier League matches. Recent warnings about the repercussions of accessing such streams follow several convictions related to illegal IPTV operations.
Last month, two brothers were sentenced to a total of 11 years in prison following a crackdown on illegal IPTV streaming, which is often accessed through modified Fire Sticks. Broadcasters like Sky have collaborated with UK police forces to target those involved in setting up these illicit services.
In response, a new anti-piracy initiative is being launched ahead of the Premier League’s north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham. The BeStreamWise program aims to ‘intercept’ fans seeking illegal streams by redirecting them from fake streaming links on platforms like Reddit and X to a site featuring a legitimate stream with commentary from a well-known comedian. This initiative aims to protect fans from the risks associated with digital piracy.
BeStreamWise is a collaborative effort by several organizations to combat illegal streaming, including partners such as the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), the Intellectual Property Office, and Crimestoppers UK. The initiative also includes support from major broadcasters like the BBC, Sky, ITV, and the Premier League.
The initiative’s statement highlights the dangers associated with illegal streaming sites and apps, which can deliver harmful content such as malware, sophisticated scams, and explicit material. It warns that sharing personal information, like email addresses or payment details, with these sites could result in that information being compromised by criminal organizations.
BeStreamWise emphasizes that, beyond the risk of legal consequences, illegal streaming can expose fans to additional threats and risks.
