Netflix users could face a £1,000 fine for using new feature

From the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight to a re-imagined version of the dating show Pop the Balloon, Netflix is now adding more live content to its streaming catalogue.

While you might be excited to watch your favourite shows in real-time, doing so could land you with a hefty fine.

The problem is that you still need a TV Licence to watch live shows, even if they are being shown on a streaming service like Netflix.

At a newly increased price of £174.50, paying for a TV Licence isn’t cheap.

However, it is still a lot less than the fine you might face for not having one.

‘Not paying for a TV Licence could lead to a £1,000 fine if we find that you have been watching, recording or downloading programmes illegally,’ TV Licensing explains on its website.

‘The maximum fine is £2,000 in Guernsey.

‘Plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.’

Netflix users could face a £1,000 fine if they use this popular feature. This is because you still need a TV Licence to watch live content, even when you are watching it on Netflix

Typically, you don’t need a TV Licence to watch streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disney+.

However, you still need a licence to watch live programming regardless of whether you are using a streaming service or not.

TV Licensing explains: ‘You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch live on streaming services – such as ITVX, Channel 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now, Sky Go, Netflix and Freely.

‘You don’t need a TV Licence if you never watch live on any channel, pay TV service or streaming service, or use BBC iPlayer.’

That means you won’t be at risk of a fine if you only use on-demand services, but will be in breach of the rules if you tune in for a live event.

The cost of a TV Licence recently increased by £5 per year, rising from £169.50 to £174.50 on April 1.

While you can pay this in one go, most people choose to spread the cost by Direct Debit – this works out at £14.54 per month.

If you don’t pay your TV Licence, you could face a huge fine.

The cost of a TV Licence recently increased by £5 per year, rising from £169.50 to £174.50 on April 1. You can either pay this in one go or split it up monthly by Direct Debit – this works out at £14.54 per month (file photo)

‘We could visit your address to confirm if you need a TV Licence,’ TV Licensing warned.

‘If we find that you have been watching, recording or streaming programmes illegally, you risk prosecution and a fine for not having a TV Licence of up to £1,000 plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.’

These same rules apply to all streaming services, including those accessed by the Amazon Fire Stick.

This device is used to access services including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV+ but Amazon has recently added several live channels.

This includes BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, CBBC, CBeebies, BBC News, BBC Scotland, and BBC Alba.

However, watching any of those channels will require a TV licence, just as if you were watching through any other type of device.

So, if you’re planning on watching any live events or television from your home, be sure to double check you have the appropriate licence in order to avoid a fine.