BBC and new internet dectection vans

Gers

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/08/05/bbc-to-deploy-detection-vans-to-snoop-on-internet-users/

kingrulzuk

Gers wrote: »

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/08/05/bbc-to-deploy-detection-vans-to-snoop-on-internet-users/

Who cares still not going to pay

Ian011

It's a hoax.

This would only be possible on unencrypted Wi-Fi traffic.

Far better to adjust the app to ask for licence number and postcode and allow a maximum number of devices.

[Deleted User]

Ian011 wrote: »

It's a hoax

Packet sniffing is not a "hoax".

Regardless, it looks as if these "detectors" would be little use randomly, but perhaps an additional weapon in their armoury where they already suspect the license fee is being evaded...

poppasmurf_bewdley

kingrulzuk wrote: »

Who cares still not going to pay

Let us know which nick you're in. We'll all have a laugh!

brewerdave

..but EVEN IF this technology works, they would not get a conviction without identifying the user and his equipment which would be impossible without a warrant and further evidence or a "confession"
Plus -it won't catch those using ethernet or AV plugs to connect to router..

unforeseen

If they will be doing this under RIPA the first thing they will need will be a court order. I doubt that they are in a position tio collect and supply to a judge sufficient evidence to to warrant an order being issued.

But there again if the BBC can find a way to spend £30,000 on investigating ONE iPlayer transgressor, get them to court and be awarded a £200 fine then it is money well spent - NOT!

This will never happen. Just like the old detector vans. Yes the technology is there and can be proven to work in highly controlled conditions but won't work in practice and will be too expensive to use for the gains made. Scare tactics again

SailorSam

You had me worried for a minute there, i closed the curtains so i could pretend i wasn't in. But it's Ok, it says the vans can only detect Wi-Fi. I'm safe they can't catch me, i'm using a desktop that's plugged into the mains.

Cornucopia

poppasmurf_bewdley wrote: »

Let us know which nick you're in. We'll all have a laugh!

You cannot be arrested or imprisoned for TV Licence evasion.

Cornucopia

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

Packet sniffing is not a "hoax".

Regardless, it looks as if these "detectors" would be little use randomly, but perhaps an additional weapon in their armoury where they already suspect the license fee is being evaded...

Indeed, it does seem possible that in the right circumstances, they could (just about) yield some kind of slightly tenuous evidence of evasion.

However, it's already been noted that:-

- It applies only to Wifi (and not to traditional TVs, or to Ethernet connections).

- It's only been demonstrated in connection with Live Internet Streaming (where the traffic from the BBC servers is a known size, shape and pattern), and not with Catch-up. Which is ironic given that Catch-up is the main change due in the Law.

- There would be practical issues as a consequence of it being lawful to use a self-powered device (like an iPad) at any location if you are covered by a home Licence. So iPlayer wifi traffic isn't even cast-iron evidence of evasion.

- They still need the name of the alleged transgressor to begin a prosecution, so they will presumably intend to use Wifi sniffing as a precursor to a Search Warrant. The only problem with that being that we already know that they only have around 115 such Warrants for the whole country in a year.

The whole thing stinks of PR propaganda.

VisionMan

Cornucopia wrote: »

The whole thing stinks of PR propaganda.

Or just poor journalism.