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Digital Economy Act: Illegal Kodi Streams Could Now Land Users In Prison For 10 Years (independent.co.uk)

Posted by BeauHD on from the risky-business dept.

An anonymous reader quotes a report from The Independent: The Digital Economy Act has passed into law, meaning people could now face ten-year prison sentences for illegally streaming copyrighted content. It covers a wide number of areas, including broadband speeds, access to online pornography and government data-sharing. However, amid the rising popularity of Kodi, an increase to the maximum prison term -- from two years to ten -- for people guilty of copyright infringement is particularly interesting. Anyone caught streaming TV shows, films and sports events illegally using websites, torrents and Kodi add-ons could technically face a decade behind bars. However, the new law will most likely target individuals and groups making a business out of selling illegal content, FACT CEO Kieron Sharp told the Mirror. The Independent also notes in a separate report that The Digital Economy Act could allow UK police to "remotely disable mobile phones, even before the user actually commits a crime." The Digital Economy Act "contains a section stating that officers will be able to place restrictions on handsets that they believe are being used by drug dealers," reports The Independent.

4 of 213 comments (clear)

  1. Fortunately.... by __aaclcg7560 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Everyone on the Internet are law-abiding citizens. This shouldn't be a problem.

  2. Glad they won't be in the EU for much longer by TimothyHollins · · Score: 5, Funny

    Brexit seems more and more like a positive thing for each day that passes. By the time May is done Australia will be sending its delinquents over there instead.

    1. Re:Glad they won't be in the EU for much longer by Maritz · · Score: 3, Funny

      You mean like Rolf Harris?

      --
      I do not want your cheap brainburning drugs. They are useless for work. And I am a working man today.
  3. Re:Leading the way to a police state: Trump will h by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Wow, it only took 17 minutes before someone could find a way to whine about Trump. In an article about streaming movies in the UK.