Premier League cracks down on users streaming games via Kodi boxes

The Premier League is to crack down on illegal streaming of football matches via devices such as ‘Kodi boxes’.

The Premier League has been granted a court order allowing it to blanked block internet servers powering illegal streams.

Previously, bosses had only been able to target individual links – meaning pirates could rapidly move to another link.

A spokesperson said, ‘For the first time this will enable the Premier League to disrupt and prevent the illegal streaming of our matches via IPTV, so-called Kodi, boxes.’

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Using Kodi software (which can be installed on smartphones or PCs) remains legal – it’s just installing add-ons to allow piracy which is the problem.

‘Fully loaded’ boxes come with add-ons which allow piracy of TV shows and premium football fixtures, and selling these breaches copyright laws, as does using them..

So far, copyright holders have tended to ignore users, and instead target people who sell ‘fully loaded’ boxes with piracy add-ons pre-installed.

Users with Kodi boxes at home have not – so far – been targeted by the recent wave of arrests of dealers in ‘fully loaded’ boxes.

Kieron Sharp, Director General of FACT said last week,‘Set-top boxes loaded with apps and add-ons allowing access to copyright infringing material are very much illegal and anyone involved in selling these boxes should not be surprised to receive a knock on the door.’