Kodi has become so popular over the years. Today, I am going to discuss in brief, why Uk bans fully-loaded Kodi boxes. The measures that the Uk takes to uphold the ban, as well as how those who wish to use Kodi boxes legitimately, will not be affected.
Some years back, I talked extensively about IPTV in Africa and its prospects. Today all my predictions are unfolding, and I am seeing more than I expected. Kodi has been the center of cheap IPTV solutions. Without Kodi, IPTV will either be beyond the reach of the poor or comprise content that will appeal to just a few.
Articles for further reading:
- Is IPTV legal? Find out Everything You Need to Know About the Legality of IPTV Services.
- Learn How to Stop or Reduce KODI Buffering with These 5 Effective Methods.
What is a Fully loaded Kodi box, and why Uk bans fully-loaded Kodi boxes
A fully loaded Kodi box has been modified to access paid content channels. This is achieved with the help of third-party plug-ins, popularly known as add-ons. These add-ons allow people to illegally watch the shows without paying. Kodi software itself is not illegal, and the company behind it are trying to distance themselves from pirated content.
What is the reason behind the UK government and European Union’s ban on Kodi boxes?
For the sake of emphasis, and I repeat, Kodi software itself is 100% legal; using Kodi on any device is 100% legal. However, using Kodi with third-party add-ons is illegal, and this is what the UK government is fighting Against. Currently, the EPL owners are in partnership with all internet service providers in the Uk to block access to any individual or group streaming English Premiership or other copyright-protected content from Kodi in the Uk. Worthy of note, thousands of Brits are currently using fully-loaded Kodi boxes.
Excerpt from express.co.uk on why Uk bans fully-loaded Kodi boxes
Kodi boxes are legal. Users can buy a box and watch free content. But it becomes illegal when a box streams subscription channels for free. It is also illegal to buy or sell these modified devices, which have become known as “fully loaded” – a term that describes how the software has been altered to allow access to subscription-only channels.
The European Court of Justice has just ruled that streaming copyrighted material for free on multimedia players such as Kodi is illegal. Last week’s landmark EU verdict means pirate streams are now on the same legal footing as illegal downloads. And that’s not all Kodi users should be concerned about, as there’s also the problem of control over the content being beamed into living rooms
“There are more of these boxes out there, and they plug straight into the television set. “You don’t have the same sorts of controls and protections that you will see through traditional television which is highly regulated.” Mr. Sharp warned.
Holistic measures being taken by the UK Government
According to thesun.co.uk: A recent study by YouGov suggests that over five million boxes are already in UK homes, and that number is set to grow at an alarming rate. In fact, the poll suggests the problem is getting so big it could pose a serious threat to subscription TV brands such as Amazon, Netflix, and Sky.
Though Kodi itself is legal, however, the software can be changed with third-party add-ons providing access to pirated illegal of content.
These third-party add-ons are the target of many UK ISPs, government agencies, broadcasters, and rights holders joining forces to disrupt the streams being pushed out across the internet.
Speaking about the measures being put in place Kieron Sharp, FACT Chief Executive, told Express.co.uk: “You’ll be aware of the Premier League case, which has led to the blocking of streams by ISPs.
“With these in place, what you’ll find is the effectiveness of the add-ons within the boxes is being affected and there could be more in the way of blocks in the future.”
Which other parties are involved in this fight against the illegal use of Kodi boxes?
It is not only the Uk government that is in this fight. Surprisingly, Amazon has now banned “fully loaded” set-top boxes on their site. In addition, they have vowed to freeze the accounts of anyone breaking the rules.
The company released a statement saying: “Products offered for sale on Amazon should not promote, suggest the facilitation of, or actively enable the infringement of or unauthorised access to digital media or other protected content”.
“Any streaming media player or other devices that violate this policy is prohibited from sale on Amazon.”
Earlier this year, the Premier League was granted a court order which allowed them to shut down the streaming of football matches by blocking internet servers that provide them.
The Sun Online also recently revealed how eBay had begun wiping “fully loaded” Kodi box sets from its online marketplace. Facebook is the latest tech giant to crack down on illegal streaming devices.
The social media site has yanked “fully loaded” Kodi boxes and Amazon fire sticks from its marketplace.
I believe you are enjoying this; please continue on the next page>>
Will this Uk ban on Kodi boxes affect existing and potential Kodi users in Africa?
To be sincere, this will not affect Africans in the short run. However, if the issue of watching EPL content illegally spirals out of control in the future, the rule may be extended to Africa. The reasons why the Uk ban on fully-loaded Kodi boxes will not affect Africans outside the Uk are as follows:
- The restrictions, for now, are on streams from ISPs within the UK
- if the UK extends this without due consultation with the countries in question, it will amount to a breach.
- The government of most African countries doesn’t have adequate tracking devices to do such mammoth tasks.
However, individual countries may take some measures to combat this. Already, many African and Asia countries are haunting broadcast pirates. Those using Kodi illegally outside the Uk may have no need to worry presently. However, no one can predict the future. The power that is may procure a license that will enable them to block all 3rd party add-ons on Kodi. Unfortunately, even if Kodi stops today, Illegal IPTV will still continue in another dimension. The end of IPTV is not near, but content owners will stop at nothing to resist broadcast pirates.
What you can do if you are in the UK and using your Kodi box legally.
He who goes to equity should do so with a clean hand. If you buy a Kodi box and all you do is watch contents that are generally free, My solution will help you. Regrettably, this ISP’s restriction move may affect those using Kodi legally in Uk. If you are one of such, all you need to do is to get good VPN software for your streaming. Please do not try to bypass the law with this, as they will get you. Use your VPN to access the clean official add-ons only. You can also use your VPN to access Netflix or Hulu outside the USA.
I want that fully loaded Kodi. How do I get it, in Uganda?
what about those who subscribed for IPTV account to stream, is it still illegal?
@Apostle George: it depends on the kind or subscription you are talking about as well as the content you are watching on the subscription