Having access to high-speed uncapped internet, whether it be Fibre, fixed mobile or mobile access, is becoming the norm for many households in South Africa. Generally referred to as “broadband”, it is defined as Internet access with a minimum download speed of 5Mbps.
Broadband gives users access to unlimited amounts of data, enabling online browsing, home schooling, working from home and access to the latest news around the world, to name only a few. One of the most popular uses amongst users is to access content streaming services.
There are many examples of streaming services which include Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Showmax and DSTV Stream. Most of these services offer “Video on Demand” (VOD). This simply means that there is pre-loaded content which users can browse through and then play, rewind, forward or pause at any time. DSTV, in particular, have both VOD and live TV. With live TV there is a pre-determined program arrangement where programs are broadcast at specific times and users can select a channel to watch. This concept is more in line with traditional TV broadcasting, like when using a DSTV dish and decoder or SABC.
As with any other service or product offered worldwide, there will inevitably be people who will look to exploit any weaknesses there may be in the system and find illegal ways of monetizing that weakness. They lure in unsuspecting members of the public by offering premium services at a fraction of the cost. In most cases this is totally illegal and can have severe consequences, not only for the person illegally distributing content, but also the person that pays for and uses this content, because such content is considered pirated content.
Based on numerous recent articles, one such illegal content distributor, known by the name “Waka TV” has caught the attention of Multichoice/DSTV. They have been found to sell modified Android TV boxes to clients that enable them to watch content like DSTV Premium at a fraction of the actual cost of R800 or more. Additionally, they provide “subscribers” with illegal login credentials that enable them to watch DSTV content.
Waka TV is just one such example. An Internet search will bring up many more illegal providers. One example combines Netflix, Amazon, Disney and other content for R99 per month. Sounds too good to be true, right?
After many successful takedowns of illegal [pirated] content providers, DSTV has made it clear that they will also be looking at how to go after the people that subscribe to these illegal services. After all, if no-one paid for illegal content, the illegal service would not be there.
In South Africa, Internet Service Providers (ISP) have no legal obligation (yet) to monitor what their subscribers use their data for. As an ISP, we are obliged to be a member of the Films and Publications Board (FPB), and as such have some obligations to protect against the distribution of certain content. The general expectation is that laws could change and be enforced in future to identify any acts of content piracy. As the law stands now, if an ISP is handed a subpoena by Police to identify a subscriber that that they suspect to be in the possession of any illegal copyrighted content, we must comply. All we can do for now is to remind our clients that being in possession of pirated content such as movies and series is illegal. Subscribing to pirated streaming services and watching that, is illegal. Make sure that the services you pay for is legal and will not land you in trouble. Chances are if you are not paying Netflix, DSTV, Showmax, Amazon or Disney directly, and are still watching it, you are partaking in an illegal activity.
From that perspective, when contacting our Support Line with a complaint that you are struggling to stream a movie, staff are instructed to, and will ask who the content provider is. In the case of recognized services, we will be able to provide support and troubleshoot the issue. However, if our Support Staff are informed that the complaint relates to any illegal service, no support will be provided whatsoever.
This is an information piece provided to our clients as our obligation to inform you of what is deemed illegal and could result in possible repercussions. We will never provide your information to any outside parties as per the POPI act, unless forced to do so by a court-issued subpoena.
The articles listed below have been copied from the respective news sites and is a direct link to said sites.
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadcasting/564197-dstv-piracy-crackdown-viewers-are-next.html
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadcasting/564146-dstv-streaming-pirate-and-alleged-thief-arrested.html
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadcasting/563207-piracy-crackdown-in-south-africa-up-to-10-years-jail-time-for-viewers.html .