Many of us in Cornwall will have spent time watching streamed TV, films and sport over the festive break.

A large number will have done so using android boxes, often known as Kodi boxes, which if pre-loaded with the right software, allow users to watch pay-per-view TV for free.

However, the practice is illegal - and now the Government has moved to ensure there are no grey areas within the law on the issue.

Police, trading standards, and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) are all aiming to bring down distributors, and have claimed organised crime gangs are involved in their sale.

New shows coming to Netflix this September
New shows coming to Netflix this September

Now, the Government’s Intellectual Property Office has published its official guidance on streaming devices.

Here’s what it says:

1. What is 'illicit streaming' and what devices are commonly used?

Illicit streaming is the watching of content without the copyright owner’s permission by any means, not just via hardware devices.

This could be using a smart TV, laptop or mobile phone.

Illicit streaming devices are physical boxes that are connected to your TV, or USB sticks that plug into the TV such as adapted Amazon Fire sticks and so called ‘Kodi’ boxes or Android TV boxes.



Adapting a streaming device to view illicit content usually requires loading of software add-ons or extensions.

Illicit streaming can also be facilitated by using certain apps on smartphones and tablets.

2. How do you identify an illicit streaming device



These devices are often purchased online and described as ‘Fully Loaded, Jail Broken, Plug and Play, or Subscription Gift’.

They are described using these terms to show that they have been adapted and are functioning as an illicit streaming device.

In some cases consumers buy devices and subsequently add the software, this also makes it an illicit streaming device.

3. Why you should not buy these devices

These devices often lack parental controls.

Using them could expose children or young people to explicit or age inappropriate content.



The creative industries in the UK is a very important sector.

It provides employment for more than 1.9 million people and contributes £84.1bn to our economy.

Using illicit streaming devices is illegal.


Instead it provides funds for the organised criminals who sell or adapt these illicit devices.

4. What should you do if you already have an ISD

These devices can be used legally by removing the software.



5. Where can you report sellers of ISDs

If you see these devices being offered for sale, tell Crimestoppers exactly what you know and they will pass this on to the appropriate organisation for investigation.

All information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

6. Where to get further advice

Citizens Advice provides free, confidential and independent advice.


Agorateka is a Pan-European portal of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), offering searches through national-level portals that link to sites for music, film and television, e-books, video games and sports events.