Millions of UK homes continue to stream premium content for free, but it can come at a huge cost. A new report from WPI and BeStreamWise suggests that almost one in three (31 percent) UK adults say they have used illegal streaming to access content within the last three months. Most are taking advantage of these unofficial platforms to watch premium content such as football, F1 and movies.
Hidden dangers of illegal streaming
On the surface, it looks hugely tempting, with most illegal providers offering access to streams at a fraction of the price of signing up to services such as Sky or Virgin Media. However, there is a hidden danger that could end up costing consumers more than they think.
Using devices such as modified Fire TV Sticks or searching for streams online often come with risks, including exposing users to malware or handing personal details to online crooks.
Financial losses and personal stories
BeStreamWise says its research found that 90 percent of illegal streaming sites are risky, with many containing malware or inappropriate content, along with exposing users to trojans designed to steal bank details. It's estimated that financial losses from illegal streaming could total £270 million per year, and some consumers have lost up to £5,000.
One streamer, Neil, said he lost £2,500 after unauthorised transactions were made from his account following his use of unofficial streaming services. Another, named Amelia, was targeted after accessing content via a modified Fire TV Stick. After purchasing the device online and later using unofficial streaming sites, she experienced fraudulent payment attempts, account compromise and the hacking of her Facebook account.
Amelia says she was also shocked to discover that paying for illegal streaming can fund organised crime. She says that if she had known that that was the case, she wouldn’t have streamed illegally. “I didn’t know that that was the case, actually… it’s a bit of a shocker. I just wouldn’t equate the two,” Amelia said.
Impact on the UK economy
Of course, with some Sky packages costing over £50 per month, it's no surprise that many are turning to streams that cost a fraction of that price. However, accessing content via unofficial sources carries risks and also puts huge pressure on many industries that rely on subscription fees.
"Illegal streaming is a direct constraint on the growth potential of the UK’s creative industries," BeStreamWise explained. "It reduces the incentives for investment into domestic UK production, puts jobs at risk across the film and TV sector, and has knock-on impacts on the broadcasting, film and sports industries."
"At the same time, consumers are providing personal identification and payment details to criminals when signing up to illegal streaming services, opening themselves up to increased risk of fraud, scams and theft."
"The economic, personal and societal costs of illegal streaming are significant. This report finds that illegal streaming results in losses of at least £1.35 billion to the UK economy each year, which has negative impacts on jobs and the Exchequer."
