If you are one of many South Africans utilising pirate networks to stream DStv illegally, you could be facing time behind bars.
According to Multichoice, the pay-TV broadcaster is cracking down on unauthorised service providers and their users.
In 2024, ten suspects were arrested for being behind multiple illegal streaming operations.
In South Africa, piracy – the unlawful distribution of licensed content – is considered a criminal offence under the Copyright Law. Those found guilty can face a hefty fine or jail time.
MULTICHOICE SET TO TACKLE ILLEGAL DSTV VIEWERS
Over the years, many South Africans have ditched their DStv subscriptions for various reasons for streaming services like Netflix, Showmax, Amazon Prime, and others.
Others have continued to stream DStv, without being a paying subscriber.
According to reports, pirated streaming networks offer content for free or at drastically reduced prices. Multichoice has stated that high-quality content and advanced streaming technology have made it easier for pirates to illegally acquire and redistribute content.
However, a growing list of those who have been trying to access their pay-TV content illicitly have faced the long arm of the law.
While those behind illegal networks are continually being investigated, arrested, and prosecuted, those who benefit from them could be next.
Irdeto’s anti-piracy director, Frikkie Jonker, revealed that Multichoice can track criminals who offer services to illegally stream DStv channels. He added that they are also able to identify those who stream them.
He told MyBroadBand: “We have identification tools that we can use to analyse a stream of a pirate operation.
Jonker added that Multichoice would pursue legal action against illegal viewers.
“We are going after the whole ecosystem,” he said.
PIRACY: WHY IS IT WRONG?
Piracy in South Africa is not only unethical, it’s also illegal.
Under the Copyright Act, those found guilty of viewing illegal streaming services can face a fine of R5,000 or three years in jail for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders are ordered to pay R10,000 or serve five years imprisonment.
According to the former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development in South Africa, piracy has the potential to “collapse the industry.”
Image via Pixabay
Speaking at a seminar in 2022, he said, “Piracy has a serious negative effect on our economy and on the ability of our creative professionals to earn a living. It harms investor confidence and tax revenue collection and can also affect trade opportunities.
“If we are not seen as a country where intellectual property is respected and protected, we run the risk of reversing gains the industry could exploit further and create jobs.”
DO YOU BELIEVE THOSE WHO ILLEGALLY STREAM DSTV AND OTHER CONTENT PROVIDERS DESERVE HARSH PUNISHMENT?
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