FACT (Federation Against Copyright Theft) and its partners have conducted an enforcement operation addressing Irish retail outlets involved in providing access to illegal TV streaming services.
FACT teams, together with Sky, delivered legal notices to 15 shops and resellers across nine counties: Kerry, Louth, Laois, Mayo, Donegal, Kilkenny, Wexford, Meath, and Cavan.
The targeted businesses were identified as either selling subscriptions to illegal streaming services, supplying devices set up for such access, or connecting customers to resellers via phone numbers or advertising materials. Each has been given a deadline to cease these actions or potentially face further measures. The majority have responded to the notices and agreed to stop these activities.
This operation marks the first direct focus on retail outlets by enforcement teams, reflecting the role these stores play in consumer access to illegal streaming at a local level.
Kieron Sharp, Chairman of FACT, commented: “This operation shows that we are actively targeting every link in the illegal streaming supply chain. When shop owners sell illegal streaming devices, subscriptions or act as referral points to providers, they are supporting criminal organisations and generating criminal profits. FACT will continue to work with partners to identify, disrupt and shut down this activity across Ireland.”
JD Buckley CEO Sky Ireland said: “Illegal streaming puts consumers at real risk of online harms including fraud and identity theft while draining money away from the creative industries that invest in the shows and sports people love.” He added that Sky aims to protect its customers and uphold content production standards, and that collaboration with FACT serves to stop unauthorised activity through various channels.
The action follows other enforcement measures against illegal streaming services in Ireland. Last month, David Dunbar from County Wexford was ordered to pay €480,000 (£417,259) in damages to Sky and received a permanent injunction preventing future involvement with IPTV after a High Court case.
Since March 2023, nearly 70 illegal services in Ireland have closed following actions by FACT and associates, and tens of thousands of unauthorised streams have been disrupted.
