In a bid to make the TV license more suitable for the modern day, the law requiring iPlayer users to pay for a license has come into effect. Previously, it used to be legal to watch pre-recorded programmes on iPlayer in the UK, but if you watched live TV on any device or recorded TV yourself you needed to have a license.
The BBC has a plan in place to enforce the new rules. Last month, Neowin reported that the BBC would enforce the new rules using Wi-Fi snooper vans which use equipment capable of figuring out whether someone is watching iPlayer content.
Regarding the new rules a spokesperson from the BBC said:
“At present, a pop-up window appears asking viewers to confirm they've got a TV license when they click to play live BBC content on iPlayer, and from today, that will update to include on-demand BBC programmes on iPlayer. The vast majority of households – around 94% - are already licensed so this change will not affect them. You still need a license to watch or record live TV on any channel.”
The BBC expects that the new rules will hit at young people, those more likely to watch iPlayer content on a digital device. The fee will set viewers back £145.50 per year, but can be paid at a different rate, including monthly. Those who can make do without iPlayer can still access any other catch-up services including those run by the other main UK broadcasters, without paying the fee.
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