Clampdown on TV 'Dodgy Boxes'

Juran

I appreciate these boxes are illegal. But will Gardaí resources be taken away from other more serious crime and public safety activities to pursue these box users ?

Anyone think this is resources well spent, or it it wasting valuable resources ?

RTE news : Clampdown on TV 'dodgy boxes' as legal warnings issued

http://www.rte.ie/news/business/2023/0831/1402631-illegal-streaming-dodgy-boxes/

Allinall

Where does it mention Garda resources?

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121050889#Comment_121050889

It does mention it in the Indo article:

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/new-garda-crackdown-on-tv-dodgy-boxes-targets-seven-counties/a886300064.html

Former Former Former

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121050889#Comment_121050889

It doesn't, nor does it mention pursuing users of dodgy boxes.

One eyed Jack

Anyone think this is resources well spent, or it it wasting valuable resources ?

Resources well spent, considering it doesn’t take that much resources to investigate these kinds of crimes, and the return on investment is quite substantial. They appear to be going after the operators of these enterprises though rather than the users, which makes more sense than wasting resources having people going around doing individual inspections in the neighbourhood to see if the household has a tv licence 🤔

Juran

Yes, it was the Independent I read about Gardaí. I posted the RTE link.

Gardaí are the only organization who can enter a home or business (with a warrent if you dont let them in), in order to seize a box as evidence and to initiate legal action, such as fines or court summons.

"A spokesperson for the gardaí said that the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) Intellectual Property Crime Unit currently has “a number of live investigations with some matters currently before the courts,” but “cannot provide specific details of matters that are currently before the courts or subject to criminal investigation”.

Gregor Samsa

It's the suppliers of such boxes, and operators of the underlying streaming services, that the Gardai get involved in prosecuting, and this action is targets at, not the end users.

A wave of legal warnings have been delivered in person, by post and by email to people across Ireland involved in providing illegal access to premium TV content.

The cease-and-desist notices instruct those running the services to immediately stop all illegal streaming activity or risk facing the consequences, including criminal prosecution.

TedBundysDriver

Don't understand why anyone would pay for a dodgy box when anyone who is half capable with a firestick can get free sports etc... in a matter of minutes for nothing.

Yeah Right

You realise they're the same thing, yes? A Firestick is just a dodgy box in USB thumb drive format.

Atlantic Dawn

"You wouldn't steal a car", lol.

Seth Brundle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058311614/clampdown-on-tv-dodgy-boxes

Is there a list available showing what crimes the gardai shouldn't investigate because it would affect some people (and sure it's not a serious crime anyway)?

Many people are incapable of managing the IT required to keep an android box running. They tend to break on a regular basis. There is definitely a business model for people providing a consistent experience and technical support.

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121050991#Comment_121050991

...a lot of the free services tend to absolutely sh1te, used them for years, excessive buffering and fcuk ups get a bit too much after a while, plenty of relatively cheap services out there, with decent service, but of course, feel free to share resources....

...completely losing game here, illegal connections are rapidly growing, theres no real way of completely stopping them, only real way is by shutting down the internets, so we ll just have to listen to these nonsense stories at the beginning of every new football season, then of course, it all slips away as the season progresses....

Butson

Rightly, or wrongly, as long as soccer players are being paid hundreds of thousands of €s a week, dodgy boxes are going nowhere.

TedBundysDriver

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051054#Comment_121051054

I won't be sharing anything. My service let me down once last season and im more than happy with it.

I agree with you though there is a lot of rubbish out there it's a matter of knowing what isn't.

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051080#Comment_121051080

ah shur ive probably checked out the the bones of 100 now, a lot of shite out there, but theres some decent ones to....

Yeah Right

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051044#Comment_121051044

Gardaí are supposed to be for everyone's protection. The entirety of the public. They should not be doing the footwork of mega corporations like Sky/Virgin Media, nor should they be protecting the financial interests of Bank of Ireland after they messed up their app recently.

People have a pain in their flutes being told to fend for themselves or that patrols etc have to be curbed due to lack of numbers, then suddenly there's plenty of boots on the ground when required to protect the corporations or the politicians.

The justice minister walking the streets surrounded by 4 Gardaí was the icing on the cake. "Look how safe it is" when you're surrounded by coppers. I bet ya it's the first time either herself or that group of 4 Gardaí ever set foot on Talbot St.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121050991#Comment_121050991

Oooh check out the big brain on ted

TedBundysDriver

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051109#Comment_121051109

Not at all, i'm probably of average intelligence. My point is i'm finding it bemusing that people pay money for something illegal that you can get for free somewhere else. I can understand the need for dodgy boxes 5-10 years ago but in 2023?

TedBundysDriver

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051097#Comment_121051097

The Arabs are great lads that's all i'll say 🧐

Fian

This article is a regurgitation of a press release issued by the federation against copyright theft. Most media organisations will happily regurgitate a press statement like that, where there is no risk of liability, as a free "story" when supplied to them. That's what press releases are for - to generate media content that the releaser wants. this is not a case of some reporter digging into the activities of Gardai and breaking a story about what is going on under the hood. The indo know it is true that FATC have launched an action because FATC have told them they have in a press release. They know FATC are "working with Gardai" because FATC say they are - which may only mean they have written a letter to the Gardai. FATC have sent out letters to people they suspect of breach of copyright - that is all this story acually boils down to.

It only says they (FATC) "are working with" the Gardai, it does not say the Gardai are devoting manpower to an investigation. The purpose of the press release is to influence behaviour and generate fear around bying or selling these products. There is no reason to get excited or annoyed about the use of Garda resources in the absence of any meaningful information that disproportionate resources are being dedicate to this.

Cluedo Monopoly

I know a huge amount of people locally that have these dodgy boxes. I was only made aware of the prevalence recently. I am confused how they cannot be shut down technically.

Waste of Garda resources alright - they should be busy faking millions of breath tests.

Atlantic Dawn

Pubs even have them, and not to just show the 3pm games.

Fionn1952

I would've been under the impression that the majority of providers for these services aren't located in Ireland, nor are their servers.

An awful lot more, 'get a firestick, get _____app, put this playlist info in the textbox' set ups than, 'I'll land out to your gaffe with this box and set it up for you' arrangements this weather I'd expect.

I don't think this will be particularly impactful. I've only ever heard of one prosecution in Ireland, and that ended with community service.

jj880

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121050991#Comment_121050991

In my experience the free sources are fine for films and box sets.

Free live TV on the other hand is very hit and miss and constantly needs fixing / updating.

Easier to buy a good IPTV sub for under 10 euro a month.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051149#Comment_121051149

VPN

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051121#Comment_121051121

some people just arent tech savvy, nothing wrong with it, but it really is simply out to set up these things....

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051176#Comment_121051176

havent bothered my arse with them yet, i ll wait till im arrested, then i ll think about it....

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051197#Comment_121051197

VPN is good if you access music - they are much more vigilant with regard to music. Also allows access to BBC if you go for a dedicated IP address.

They send a cease and desist notice with a three strokes and your out policy. This is the agreement they came to with copyright holders. So if you ever come on your ISPs radar you will be watched from then on. Best to avoid.

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051226#Comment_121051226

never had issues in regards music, but shur who knows, again, i ll wait for the warrant, know some that use them, some seem to work very well, can be very cheap to....

Haddonfield

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051160#Comment_121051160

Firestick with a --- app and you are sorted. Been using it for 5 years and flawless. You need to use a vpn and a debrid account. Thats what people dont realise and then complain it doesnt work. Will never have an official subscription again.

jj880

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051080#Comment_121051080

😅 i agree on this though. Once you find a good free service tell no-one or it gets overrun and unusable.

jj880

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051276#Comment_121051276

I'll admit its been a few years since Ive set this up. Isnt real debrid a pay service?

Also edited my original post for clarity. I meant a good IPTV sub.

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051226#Comment_121051226

been downloading music/tv shows/movies/software for decades now, looking forward to receiving all of those in the warrant, they must have a big ould file on me now.....

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051276#Comment_121051276

Never needed a debrid account but I can see how they help.

Sonar and Radar are the way to go for everything but streaming live content. They take a bit of setting up but well worth it if you can.

Gusser09

You don't need to use a VPN. If you think AGS or whoever are monitoring your internet traffic to see what IPTV services you are accessing then you are a moron. That's will never happen.

As someone else has said once soccer lads are getting 200k a week I'll sleep easy knowing I can access the full sky package for 1.50 a week.

Fair play for the lads advocating to use free IPTV servers. Well done. I won't lose much sleep paying for a nicely laid out sky package for 70 quid for a year knowing I get a decent QOS and not have to flute around every few days loading up more servers etc.

TedBundysDriver

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051281#Comment_121051281

Is the correct answer.

People who can't pay for Sky who can

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051382#Comment_121051382

still plenty of folks paying legally, thankfully, or those of us that dont, probably wouldnt be able to....

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051401#Comment_121051401

The perks of been clever ....

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051408#Comment_121051408

ah true, but as others have said, nobody is watching us, the resources to chase 100's of millions across the planet, simply dont exist, plough on folks....

Seth Brundle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051099#Comment_121051099

Gardaí are supposed to be for everyone's protection. The entirety of the public. They should not be doing the footwork of mega corporations like Sky/Virgin Media, nor should they be protecting the financial interests of Bank of Ireland after they messed up their app recently.

As I understand it, they responded to calls regarding crowds at ATMs and public order issues rather than the populist nonsense being spouted.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/gardai-defend-sending-officers-to-bank-of-ireland-atms-amid-rush-to-withdraw-cash/a1169598120.html

As for "everyone's protection" and this mega-corporations sh1te, is upholding the law not in everyone's interest? Would you have a probem with them resonding to a non-violent bank robbery?

People have a pain in their flutes being told to fend for themselves or that patrols etc have to be curbed due to lack of numbers, then suddenly there's plenty of boots on the ground when required to protect the corporations or the politicians.

Who exactly has been told to fend for themselves?

The justice minister walking the streets surrounded by 4 Gardaí was the icing on the cake. "Look how safe it is" when you're surrounded by coppers. I bet ya it's the first time either herself or that group of 4 Gardaí ever set foot on Talbot St.

Oh no, politician does photoshoot in city centre - is that your basis for being pissed off with AGS por have you little else to work off?

There's a lot wrong with AGS and how it is funded and managed but if some people are getting their knickers in a twist because AGS are actively working on a fraud/theft/whatever case (which they should be doing!) then I've no sympathy for those doing the theft!

Alonzo Mosley

There was in piece about in on the Claire Byrne show this morning. Some guy from FACT I think was on.

When she asked him how can they detect someone is using a dodgy box he paused and basically said I can't tell you that it's a secret. Hide your firesticks lads !!!!!

Wanderer78

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051470#Comment_121051470

ah bollcoks, its all over lads, fcuk it anyway, better get that lube out!

jj880

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051347#Comment_121051347

I think this is the general rule. The more you pay the less messing you have to do.

If you dont mind updating and fixing stuff regularly that's fine. Im sure a lot here even have it streamlined and can do it quickly.

Others dont mind paying a bit so they dont have to bother. Mine is 80 euro per year. Everything included. Lots of 60fps / 4k options and no downtime.

Broadband suppliers are starting to force the use of their own DNS services which automatically blocks access to all illegal content that is identified. That is how they intend to meet their commitment to crack down on illegal streaming.

Gusser09

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051484#Comment_121051484

I have to say I'm seriously impressed with the 4k BT on my stream. It's excellent.

Lewis_Benson

Will this affect Napster lads?

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051513#Comment_121051513

Should be fine.

I have every MP3 from 1994 to 2006 archived on my ZIP drive here in case you need em anyway. 🤪

Yeah Right

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051442#Comment_121051442

They were able to put 5 or 6 Gardaí on the same streets at the drop of a hat and remained there for hours. Streets that haven't had a regular beat in decades.

Public order my hole, if that was the case why not stand there and let everyone use the ATMs and deal with incidents as they arise? Why block them?

I've no problem with them/her doing a photoshoot. I have serious issues with them doing a photoshoot to say everything is fine and dandy on the open sewer that is the streets around Connolly, when they're surrounded by members of the force. It's the equivalent of telling someone to just get in their mercedes when it's raining outside. What about those with no merc? Where do they go?

Try walking down to get the DART at 8pm, unaccompanied by 4 big lads with batons and stab-vests, see how you get on. Or work there for 14 years like I did. Where's the photos of the lads injecting gear into their crotch? Or the shopkeeers cleaning human shite from their doorstep? Or the employees getting spat on because they've asked the junkies to eff off? Where's their escort? Fcuking nowhere, as you well know, and that's what the issue is. Anyone can pretend the place is grand if they're only seeing a sanitised version of it.

Would you have a probem with them resonding to a non-violent bank robbery?

Tell me you have fcuk all dealings with AGS without telling me. Here's the thing, they don't respond to the vast majority of calls, violent or not. Or else, they do, but about 3 hrs too late. Try waiting for them to show up to a VIOLENT robbery in your shop. Try having to stand at the front door until after midnight to stop undesirables getting access to your property after some scrote broke your window for no reason. Try missing you last bus/train home becuase they say they're on the way, but never bother their hole showing up. Try calming your parents down because a gang of travellers showed up to their front door and the Guards won't do anything until AFTER they've had their fun.

They pick and choose whether or not to turn up to the vast majority of calls, under the pretense that they've nobody to do the job and they have to prioritise calls. When the chips are down, there's plenty of bodies to do the bidding of the banks/ministers/Sky etc. Nothing but excuses as they hold the public in contempt and ignore the daily suffering of loads.

Anyone who has had to deal with them regularly over the years knows how workshy they are. Count yourself lucky if you're not in that group.

65535

Ha Ha - years ago in Cork the 'Cork Multi Channel' was plagued with hot boxes as well - so they advertised on their own local channel to call in and get a free tee shirt.

So those who called in were asked for their name and address to send out the free tee shirt and then lo and behlold they were caught for 'theft of service'.

Not sure how it ended up but a colleague of mine at the time was caught - his daughter rang in for the tee shirt - coincidentaly he was actually selling some equipment to the Multi Channel at the time and he was told... !

Alonzo Mosley

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121051850#Comment_121051850

Love it !!!