NETFLIX users could unintentionally land themselves in hot water next week simply by watching a new show on the platform.
And if they’re caught breaking the rules it could technically mean a £1,000 fine.
New live chat show is a first for Netflix[/caption]
The popular streaming platform is launching a brand new live programme on Thursday, Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney.
It serves as the firm’s first ever late-night live talk show and comes amid a growing number of live events.
Earlier this year, Netflix took over rights to show WWE which drastically expanded the number of live shows appearing on the platform.
And last year saw a number of big live events such as Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson.
Before live shows started popping up, Netflix was pretty much safe from TV Licensing as the fee only applies to any live broadcasts.
But with these – and now Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney – it presents a new risk for viewers who may be without a TV Licence and forget that legally they need one for such programmes.
Somewhat fortunately, Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney is broadcast live from the US at 10pm ET, which is 2am in the UK, so the chances of Brits watching at that hour are quite low.
TV Licensing previously reiterated the rules to The Sun last year 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 at the time.
“Further information is available on the TV Licensing website or via the customer services team, who can help with any queries.”
If you’re using Netflix or any other streaming platform like Prime to watch non-live content then you’re fine without a TV Licence, as long as you’re not watching BBC iPlayer.
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
