TELLY lovers have been warned they could face a hefty £1,000 fine over a simple mistake when streaming.
Devices like Fire Sticks and smart TVs are ever popular, providing access to platforms including Netflix and Amazon Prime.
The world of streaming has largely been focused on pre-recorded shows and movies which make them exempt from TV Licence requirements.
But with even more live events popping up online, Brit viewers may accidentally be falling foul of the rules – and face a fine if a TV Licencing inspector comes knocking on the door.
Netflix alone has events on Christmas Day with NFL games showing and more to come.
People recently received general warning letters saying they could face an inspection on December 25.
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A spokesperson for TV Licensing later clarified that the letters were sent in error and there will be no calls on Christmas Day.
But with even more live events coming up in 2025, viewers still need to make sure they’re watching TV lawfully.
Next year, Netflix takes on the rights for WWE – and if you watch any lives, you’ll need a TV Licence.
WWE Raw is coming on January 6, followed by WWE NXT on January 7 and WWE SmackDown on January 10.
On top of this, it’s important to remember that Amazon Prime has more live content now too with Premier League games.
The rules require a TV Licence only for live content or anything on BBC iPlayer.
So if you watch non-live shows and movies on Netflix, Prime or any other streaming platform you’re fine.
TV Licensing previously reiterated the rules to The Sun in November ahead of Netflix’s Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight.
“A TV Licence is needed to watch live content on streaming services, watch or record a TV programme on any channel and when using BBC iPlayer,” a rep said.
“Further information is available on the TV Licensing website or via the customer services team, who can help with any queries.”
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What are the TV Licence rules?
Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun, explains:
A TV Licence currently costs £169.50.
Some people mistakenly believe that you only need a TV Licence if you have a TV or watch BBC channels.
You aren’t breaking the law if you own a TV without a licence, as long as it’s not hooked up to an aerial or other live broadcasting equipment – so you can use it with your PS5 for gaming for example.
The basic principle is, that if you are accessing any live broadcast from any channel, whether it be through a TV or online, you must have a TV Licence.
If you are recording a live broadcast to watch later, you also need a TV Licence.
Watching on-demand content does not require a TV Licence – except if you’re watching BBC iPlayer.
Image credit: Alamy
