A wave of raids targets providers across the country
The fight against illegal streaming in the UK continues. In a recent three-week operation, the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) teamed up with Sky and local police forces to take down 47 illegal IPTV providers across various regions. This crackdown focused on shutting down unauthorized broadcasts of premium channels and movies, particularly those offered by Sky.
The Dangers of Using Illegal IPTV Services
FACT CEO Kieron Sharp highlighted the significant risks associated with using illegal IPTV services. These services often lack the robust security measures employed by legitimate streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. This makes users vulnerable to malware infections, data breaches, and even identity theft. Furthermore, Sharp warned that users of illegal IPTV might unknowingly be funding criminal organizations.
How to Identify Illegal Streaming Services
While some illegal IPTV services may appear legitimate, there are red flags to watch out for:
- Unbeatable Prices: Be wary of services offering a vast library of content for suspiciously low prices.
- Questionable Content: Services boasting access to newly released movies or live sports events without proper licensing are likely illegal.
- Low-Quality Websites: Look for a professional website with clear terms of service and easily accessible customer support. Legitimate platforms typically have these features.
- Shady Payment Methods: Standard payment options like credit cards or direct debits are used by legitimate services. If a service requires cryptocurrency or unknown payment processors, proceed with caution.
The Vulnerabilities of Illegal IPTV Software
These illegal IPTV services rely on specialized software to manage their operations. A popular choice in the past was Extreme Code, a program notorious for its security weaknesses. This software, and its derivatives like NXT, XtremeUI, XUI, and Streamcreed, are riddled with backdoors and code vulnerabilities, making them easy targets for hackers.
Past Cases and the Ongoing Fight
This recent operation is just one example of the ongoing battle against illegal streaming in the UK. Here are some recent cases:
- Takedown of the Firestick Premier League Scheme: This operation dismantled a network offering Premier League matches through hacked Amazon Fire TV devices.
- IPTV Scammers Brought to Justice: A group behind a £7 million illegal IPTV operation received a combined 30-year prison sentence.
- Mark Brockley’s “Infinity Streams” Busted: Brockley was sentenced to five years in jail for offering illegal BT Sport streams through his service.
Remember: If a streaming service seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid services offering multiple premium channels for a rock-bottom price or significantly discounted sports subscriptions. Play it safe and stick to reputable streaming platforms.