NETFLIX fans could be unintentionally falling foul of the law and risk a nasty fine as the platform ramps up its live shows.
The streaming giant is bringing a re-imagined version of viral internet series Pop the Balloon to the app.
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It promises to air “even higher stakes, fresh twists, and celebrity surprises”.
But there’s one other big change too – it will be completely live.
Forgetful Brits may not realise that by watching live they technical require a TV Licence.
Being caught without a TV Licence can result in a hefty £1,000 fine.
Fortunately, Pop the Balloon is live at 1am UK time so there’s little chance of getting caught.
But with Netflix increasingly showing live events, it does serve as an important reminder to viewers, especially as the platform has long been considered a safe haven from the TV Licence fee.
UK homes require a TV Licence when watching any live TV or accessing BBC iPlayer.
If you only watch on-demand content on Netflix then you don’t need a TV Licence.
But if you tap into any of the live events on Netflix you are required by law to have one.
This has become all the more evident after Netflix took over rights to WWE with live broadcasts taking place on the app more than ever before.
TV Licensing previously reiterated the rules to The Sun last year ahead of Netflix’s Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson live 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.”
The TV Licence fee was recently increased by £5, jumping from £169.50 previously to £174.50 since April 1.
Pop The Balloon airs on Fridays at 1am on Netflix.
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
