MSE News: Watch BBC iPlayer? You'll soon have to log in

Former_MSE_Steve_1

BBC iPlayer will require users to set up an account and log in to use the service from next year, it was announced today....

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'Watch BBC iPlayer? You'll soon have to log in'

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lightbulb2760

I don't like the idea of giving my personal details to TV companies (it's none of their business who I am!) so when I log in to the ITV hub I give a fake name (obviously made-up), an equally obvious non-existant email address, and a defunct post code. When the BBC requires me to login to the iplayer early next year, will giving such fake details get me into trouble? (I do, by the way, have a TV licence.)

jenniewb

Does this mean no downloading at the local library/community center? Even if I only want to watch things whilst I'm in the building?

giraffe69

I logged into the bbc sport app last night and it asked me for postcode etc. No doubt a false one would only lead to news and weather from the wrong region. I also have a licence and use iplayer and couldn't care less if they have this detail.

Kite2010

Just use a fake name & address.

Either that or "Mr L Mog" living at SW1A 2AA :rotfl:

VisionMan

jenniewb wrote: »

Does this mean no downloading at the local library/community center? Even if I only want to watch things whilst I'm in the building?

You need to ask if they have a TV licence. If no, then no, legally.

S0litaire

lightbulb2760 wrote: »

I don't like the idea of giving my personal details to TV companies (it's none of their business who I am!) so when I log in to the ITV hub I give a fake name (obviously made-up), an equally obvious non-existant email address, and a defunct post code. When the BBC requires me to login to the iplayer early next year, will giving such fake details get me into trouble? (I do, by the way, have a TV licence.)

Ermmm....
If You already have a TV licence, why are reluctant to verify your postcode with them?!?!

Don't they already have it? Unless you gave fake details when you got your licence.

jenniewb

VisionMan wrote: »

You need to ask if they have a TV licence. If no, then no, legally.

They do. That's why I can watch on the PC screens they have or even the TV screen they have. I don't want to sit clogging up their PCs for people who no doubt have more pressing needs from the computers. So I watch on my phone in the caf! (attached to the library/community center). I've got no idea what the postcode is or whose name I'd use to access the iplayer. Wouldn't it be false representation/ID fraud to make up a name and postcode?

squeeks

The BBC should have put content that requires a TV licence behind a login or pay wall years ago.

If you want anonymity you really need to avoid online services and rely on over the air broadcasts.

Cornucopia

jenniewb wrote: »

They do. That's why I can watch on the PC screens they have or even the TV screen they have. I don't want to sit clogging up their PCs for people who no doubt have more pressing needs from the computers. So I watch on my phone in the caf! (attached to the library/community center). I've got no idea what the postcode is or whose name I'd use to access the iplayer. Wouldn't it be false representation/ID fraud to make up a name and postcode?

There's no intention to use the data for Licence enforcement, according to the BBC. It's simply for a better user experience.

Whether you believe that or not, they have no authority to punish people who enter false details beyond denying them access.

Personally, I would like the BBC to just get on with locking-down iPlayer to a TV Licence properly, effectively and with the minimum of fuss. Drawing out the process over a number of years is just tedious for me, observing from the sidelines.

Nick_C

Signing in to iPlayer should hopefully improve the service. I use iPlayer on two different devices. I've got different favorites and different viewing histories on the two devices. It would be nice if it was like Netflix and you switch device but carry on viewing from where you left off.

I wouldn't like to be forced to watch only local programs though. I live 40 miles from London. I like to watch the local London News and the London version of the Sunday Politics.

And I would hope they will link iPlayer to the TV license. I would like the BBC to move to a pay to view model, with different prices for different channels, including Radio.