Netflix viewers in the UK risk landing a fine of up to £1,000 this week due to a little-known rule.
The UK law states you must have a valid TV licence to watch any live TV programme, regardless of which platform or channel the broadcast appears on.
As such, the law extends to viewers who watch any live event on the streaming service – a law that many Netflix users might be unaware of.
Most Netflix content doesn’t require subscribers to have a licence fee, but the service has since expanded into live events which has in turn created a new legal requirement for UK viewers.
The rule affects the 17.1 million people across the UK who have a Netflix subscription and subscribers are warned to bear this in mind ahead of a major live event being streamed on the service this week.
The hotly anticipated boxing match between Jake Paul and former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson will be streamed live on Netflix at 8pm on Friday, November 15, so Netflix users must make sure they have a valid TV licence if they plan to watch it on the service.
If you don’t have a valid TV licence you can be fined up to £1,000 if you watch or record live TV.
TV Licensing states: “You are breaking the law if you:
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watch TV channels, like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, U&Dave and international channels
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watch TV on pay TV services, like Sky, Virgin Media and EE TV
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watch live TV on streaming services, like YouTube and Amazon Prime Video
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use BBC iPlayer
“This includes recording and downloading. On any device. You could be prosecuted if we find that you have been watching, recording or downloading programmes illegally. The maximum penalty is a £1,000 fine plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.”
If you are just watching on-demand TV shows or films on Netflix then you aren’t required to have a TV licence, and the same applies to other streaming services such as Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video. But once content is broadcast live on these services, you must make sure you have a valid TV licence or risk being fined.
BBC iPlayer is the exception as this requires a TV licence for both live and on-demand viewing.
A TV Licence costs £169.50, or £57 for black and white TV sets, for both homes and businesses. You can apply online or by calling TV Licensing on 0300 790 6071.
