We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
Published 19 December 2022
© Crown copyright 2022
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected].
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/meta-counterfeit-and-piracy-campaign/the-effect-of-piracy
Life is made better through great film, music and pictures. Whether it’s the latest film, sport or music, it’s never far away through your TV, computer or phone.
But how do you ensure that you are accessing this content legally, and the creator is paid for their effort?
When we go to work, we want to be paid – the creative industries are no different. Take the next blockbuster film; the average film will have a workforce of 300 people. Directors and film stars, but also cleaners, carpenters and makeup artists to name a few. By watching the film through a paid for streaming service, buying it on disc or experiencing it at the cinema you will ensure that all those people continue to work to create excellent experiences for you, the viewer.
Illegal streaming boxes and apps usually lack parental controls. Using them could mean your children are exposed to explicit advertisements or age-inappropriate content.
Where legitimate devices and power cables will have been tested, some illegal devices have failed safety standards so could be a real danger to you, like causing a fire in your home.
Every time you access illegal content, whether it’s to watch your favourite films, sports or TV shows using a modified box or stick or via an unauthorised website, app, add-on or another illegal source, you are infringing copyright and may be committing a crime. You also risk being exposed to dangerous malware and/or the risk of fraud and data theft. This risk increases significantly when you exchange credit or debit card information to view content on unregulated and pirate-run websites.
The creative industry offers employment for more than 1.9 million people and contributes £84.1 billion to the UK economy. If you are not paying for content, you are depriving industry of the money it needs to fund the next generation of TV programmes, films and sporting events.
Buying and using these devices and apps funds organised crime
If you see these devices being for sale, tell Crimestoppers exactly what you know, and they will pass this on to the appropriate organisation for investigation. All information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you see content being shared via a live post on social media, you can report by clicking the 3 dots at the top, right-hand side of the post.
guidance on using digital images, photographs and the internet
guidance on using Illicit streaming devices
Get It Right is your go-to genuine site checker for knowing where to go and where to say no
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.
