Facebook and Instagram to be monitored for dodgy boxes in new crackdown

Copyright authorities say they will now monitor social media in Ireland to “gather intelligence” on illegal dodgy box activity

Dodgy box activity will now be monitored on Irish social media channels as authorities seek to “gather intelligence” about those profiting from the devices.

The move is being orchestrated by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (Fact) and Crimestoppers, an independent crime-detection body.

More than one in five people in Ireland use ‘dodgy boxes’, which are sometimes activated through legitimate gadgets such as Amazon Fire Sticks.

Under Irish law, using a dodgy box at home is an offence punishable with a fine and a criminal prosecution.

The new campaign will encourage the public to share information about illegal streaming activities in their communities.

“The campaign aims to gather intelligence on individuals or groups involved in advertising or selling illegal streaming subscriptions, modified firesticks or so called ‘dodgy boxes’,” said a spokesperson for Fact.

“Digital piracy is a serious crime, often run by organised criminal groups. Information provided anonymously to Crimestoppers will be thoroughly investigated by Fact and could lead to further actions, including prosecution.”

Three weeks ago, a married father of four from Kildare town was given a 16-month prison sentence for the possession of over €900,000 in criminal proceeds from operating an illegal “dodgy box” TV streaming service.

Ciaran Donovan (42) had operated King Kong Media, a company which provided an illegal TV streaming service by charging customers for codes to access pay TV channels like Sky Sports and BT Sports.

An investigation had been initiated by Sky TV’s anti-piracy unit.

The judge in the case noted that the service had been advertised across a number of social media platforms and passed itself off as a commercial, legal business.

“Using or providing illegal streams is dangerous for the consumer in terms of exposing them to scammers, and for those profiteering, they can pay a heavy price of time behind bars,” said a spokesperson for Crimestoppers.

“Piracy (illicit streaming) is a crime. The dangers to the family home are real for those who take the risk of using these criminal services. We should all pay our way fairly. Speak up if you know about the criminals involved. You’ll be helping to protect people from putting themselves in danger.”

Previously, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said that the force does not get involved in day-to-day detection or enforcement around dodgy boxes.

This contrasts with the UK, where authorities sometimes call to private homes to warn users about their dodgy box usage.

“An Garda Síochána does not issue cease and desist letters,” a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána previously told the Irish Independent.

“An Garda Siochana through the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation Intellectual Property Crime Unit works with industry and service providers to investigate and prevent illicit streaming.”

Reporting on:independent.ie