Fresh Sky TV block enforced as jail sentence handed out for illegal streaming

There's been an explosion in homes choosing to switch to illegal streams rather than pay for TV via traditional methods. These unofficial platforms often entice users away from services like Sky and Virgin Media with the promise of premium content at a significantly reduced rate, saving consumers hundreds of pounds a year. With the cost-of-living crisis still affecting wallets, it's no surprise that streaming has become so popular; however, it's not without its issues.

Homes often put themselves at risk of malware, viruses and uncensored content that can be unsuitable for younger members of the family. Some can also pay upfront for a service that is suddenly shut down, and that's exactly what has happened during the latest crackdown on illegal content.

One provider of Sky streams has just been sentenced to three years in prison following an investigation into an illegal service that offered cheap access to premium TV channels - including Sky - and on-demand content.

Nishan Silva, 34, from Hitchin, was linked to the management and facilitation of an illicit IPTV service operating under the names Andy UTV and Ultimate TV Service.

READ MORE: Is streaming really harmful? Myths busted

Silva appeared at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, 2 October, having pleaded guilty to offences including distributing an article infringing copyright and acquiring or using criminal property Silva, who previously worked as an accountant, was involved in running the illegal subscription-based platform which provided illegal access to a number of streaming services. Investigators established that the platform had approximately 2,600 followers and had raked in hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The service has now ceased, leaving those who paid out of pocket and without access to content.

"Silva was a highly intelligent accountant who abused both his expertise and trusted position to commit serious criminality, " Detective Constable Daryl Fryatt in the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit said

"This activity should serve as a reminder that PIPCU will pursue criminals who seek to profit from illegal streaming and disrupt their operations.

"This is a crime that diverts funds away from the entertainment industries - money that supports thousands of technical and support staff. At the same time, it exposes end users to the risks of data theft, fraud and malware.

"We will continue to work with partners including Sky to ensure that this activity is disrupted and those involved are held to account."

And Matt Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky added, "We're grateful to the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit for pursuing this case. It demonstrates the seriousness with which the courts treat these crimes. We remain committed to supporting efforts to shut down the theft of our content, and to protect consumers from the risks involved in illegal streaming."

Paying a tiny yearly fee for access to premium sports and movies is clearly enticing, but there are plenty of dangers. Malware is often pre-installed on the streaming devices which are then plugged into TVs and connected to home networks. This can then be used to steal personal data and even spy on the user.

"When accessing illegal streams, whether through free streaming sites or via apps, add-ons or devices, you are at risk of receiving malicious software," the team at Be Stream Wise explains.

"This gives criminals access to your network or your device compromising your personal data."

Identity theft is also a big issue as crooks can often access payment details handed over when signing up.

Finally, there's the problem of content, which isn't regulated.

"Watching content via an illicit source can expose younger viewers to age-inappropriate content," Be Stream Wise added.

"These unauthorised websites, devices, apps, add-ons, and the content they can access have no parental controls."