iPlayer to require TV licence

[momma]

I wonder whether the BBC have been promised access to internet connection records at some future date after the insidious IP Bill becomes law, mandating ISPs to keep logs of every website visited by their customers. If so, there's a simple way round that: connect to iPlayer via a secure VPN. You'll have to make sure to use a UK server of course or be automatically blocked.

 

That doesn't cover iplayer accessed via your TV, though.

 

I note that my monthly threatogram from TV licensing this month now does not mention that you don't need a TV license to watch catchup on all the other channels. Once again, they are being deceitful.

 

I don't use a PC to watch catchup or Netfix, so how are they going to police TV viewers?

[gullpepper]

iPlayer has had the ability to watch live TV for ages now.

 

 

Had you been doing this then you should have been paying for a license.

 

 

Surely (despite not legally needing a TV license) you listen to BBC radio or visit the BBC website

(I can't imagine there's a single person who genuinely doesn't)?

 

 

Don't you think you should pay towards the BBC if that is indeed the case?

 

 

 

Imagine me then, I genuinely don't. That ok with you??

[bitemarx]

I've never watched iPLayer because I think it's filled with useless series and programmes, but how do I remove the iPlayer app from my PS3?

[Teefenn1]

That doesn't cover iplayer accessed via your TV, though.

I don't use a PC to watch catchup or Netfix, so how are they going to police TV viewers?

Yes it does cover it. If you're watching iPlayer through your TV then your TV must be connected to the internet in some form and there will be a record of your IP address accessing the iPlayer. As far as I'm aware iPlayer is not broadcast over the airwaves like BBC1 or Sky channels are.

 

I'm not suggesting there's any current risk of being detected as watching iPlayer. Capita have no legal powers to obtain IP addresses and any ISP that voluntarily cooperated would see its reputaion for trust destroyed overnight. I was just pointing out the possibilities in future as this gullible population passively accept the march towards a full surveillance society.

[Teefenn1]

I thought that they were changing Iplayer, so that you had to confirm your licence number before you could view any of their programmes from 1st September ?

The current APP does not even need you to register. I would think this would have to change.

No, that was never suggested. You might intuitively think it would be the simplest and obvious step but how would they prevent a dozen (or more) friends and family all using a single licence number? They probably think any revenue gain would be too small to justify the costs. What that would achieve, though, is to prevent people from overseas watching, who currently use a VPN to connect througha UK IP address (currently non-UK IP addresses are blocked). It wouldn't get them any extra revenue though.

[Consumer dude]

It couldn't be imagined it could get so complicated, all these other demands for bills as well, it's a wonder people can cope..

[renegadeimp]

It's impossible for them to police. Its simple scaremongering like the tv detector vans and their hand held devices. If i wanted to right now, i could set up a VPN to my home Connection, and stream iplayer to as many people as i wanted. And all tv licencing would see if they were stupid enough to break the law and intercept and decrypt encrypted packets, would be one IP being used.

[Teefenn1]

Your spot on, of course, renegadeimp but it amazes me how successful their scaremongering has been.

 

 

Most people buy a licence in the belief that they would be certain to be caught otherwise.

 

 

Most are under the impression that if some jobsworth from Capita knocks on their door they are legally obliged to let him (or her) in and answer his questions.

 

 

The same people probably now think said jobsworth has the power to examine their laptop for evidence and would naively allow him to do so.

 

 

The TV licencing minions have no more special powers than you or I do and the only people that ever get prosecuted are those who tamely allow access to their homes and then admit everything.

 

 

Without prima facie evidence they cannot get a search warrant and simply not having a TV licence does not constitute evidence of an offence.

 

 

They can't get any evidence unless you are stupid enough to invite them in and / or engage in conversation.

[physicsgraduate]

I watched Glastonbury live from the BBC newsbeat site or something in 2015, but not this year. This year it came up with the warning that you needed a licence so I just watched the live acts after they'd played. That's the only time I ever watched live TV on BBC internet, because I assumed I didn't need a licence.

 

I wont be watching any more BBC iPlayer now, and I will continue to ignore all the letters from the TV licensing company and I'll shut the door in their face if they ever visit again.

 

I just wondered though, was I liable for a TV license for watching Glastonbury live last year?

 

Like I say I assumed I didn't because unlike normally when I perhaps accidentally clicked on live TV programs when using the iPlayer, it didn't prompt me with the warning about TV licences. This year though it did...

[unclebulgaria67]

If you watch anything live you need a licence. So if you are watching life go by, you need a licence, even if the BBC or Capita are not involved.

[themagician]

Only 2 post from Jetsetjim and he chooses this one. Me thinks he works for Capita!

me thinks you could be right.

[momma]

me thinks you could be right.

 

Me thinks I am: Where has he gone?