Yahoo News Netflix users issued warning to follow BBC TV rule or risk £1,000 fines
Netflix subscribers are being urged to follow an important TV rule if they want to avoid hefty penalties.
It is known that all British households require a TV licence in order to legally watch or record live TV, no matter what channel. Those who rely on non BBC affiliated streaming services were previously exempt from the fee, but this may be about to change.
It comes as Netflix plans to air the Mike Tyson versus Jake Paul boxing fight this July, as the streaming giant ventures into life broadcasts. According to experts, this change will mean that TV licence rules will apply to those who use Netflix to watch their favourite movies, TV shows - and now sporting events.
In fact, the BBC has confirmed to Cord busters that Netflix users will now have to pay the yearly £169.50fee if they want to watch the highly anticipated match. Evading a TV licence is a criminal offence and not following rules can result in fines of up to £1,000, or possible jail time.
Read below to learn more about why a TV licence is a legal requirement and when you need to have one.
What is a TV licence and why do I need one?
A TV licence gives the holder legal permission to use television-receiving equipment, such as an aerial, to watch programmes as they are being shown on TV. So if you are watching a TV show, while it is going out live, you need a licence. That includes watching the shows through paid-for services like Sky, Virgin Media and NOW TV, and viewing on a computer, or through an app on your games console, phone or Smart TV.
You also need one if you use BBC’s iPlayer to watch any content, as TV licences fund the BBC. If you are watching other apps, like ITV Player, you need a licence IF you are watching the shows as they go out live. You also need a licence if you are recording live TV to watch later.
What does it pay for?
The money goes to and funds the BBC, which is Britain’s state-owned broadcasting service. However, you still need a licence to watch other networks’ television shows, if you are watching them as they are broadcast live.
What does a TV licence cover?
A single TV licence covers all of the following in a single property:
TV sets;
computers;
laptops;
tablets;
mobile phones;
any other device that can receive a TV signal.
Do I need a TV licence if I just watch Amazon Prime or Now TV?
Live TV means any programme you watch or record at the same time as it’s being shown on TV or live on an online TV service. So, if you start watching Sky Sports through Now TV, you need a licence.
You need to be covered by a TV licence if you watch live TV on any channel or device. This includes:
if you’re watching on TV or on an online TV service;
for all channels, not just the BBC;
if you record a programme and watch it later;
if you watch a programme on a delay;
to watch or record repeats;
to watch or record programmes on +1, +2 and +24 channels;
to watch live programmes on Red Button services;
even if you already pay for cable, satellite or other TV services;
to watch satellite or online programmes shown live from outside the UK or Channel Islands
You can be fined up to £1,000 if you watch or record live TV without a TV Licence.
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