TV License and Youtube/Twitch/Other Personal Live Streaming

theogster

Can I get some confirmation here..

I recently cancelled my TV licence as I have been unable to work due to serious health issues, i only thought I needed it previously as my broadband came in a package that includes TV even though I never actually connected the TV box to anything, I now only have broadband.

I do not use iPlayer, itv player or any "TV" # streaming service, (clarification below) 

I do not have a TV aerial at my property, and genuinely do not watch "regular" TV.

I do watch YouTube (not live) and I have quite a decent movie library which I stream around my house using Plex/emby. 

The only thing that seems contentious is Twitch, which I do watch quite regularly, and the wording on the TV licence site clearly states Any live TV requires a license, which seems very arbitrary, without exception the only streamers I watch are either American or Canadian by location, so they could not possibly profit from the license fee.

I have uninstalled the TV streaming apps where possible but some cannot be removed as they seem to be part of the device ROM, 

So I am physically able to use some of these services including iPlayer, but have no interest in doing so, my devices range from standard TV'S to computer monitors, PC's a mobile phone (android) shield TV, and games consoles 

If I believed I needed a licence and could actually afford it I would get one, just to avoid the hassle and worry (stuck on universal credit and waiting for a heart bypass) 

Sorry about the long post, but I'm expecting a visit soon, and genuinely don't need this stress... So any clarification on the twitch issue etc would be great.

Cornucopia

Twitch does not require a TV Licence, nor does any other "Personal" live streaming.   

We know that other live streaming services (Talkradio TV, parliamentlive.tv) also do not need a TV Licence.

The only thing lacking is a completely clear, transparently worded and derived, and most importantly accurate explanation from TV Licensing as to what the complete set of rules are.   But I have a feeling that there will be a proverbial freeze-over before we see one. 

For now, I'd say that this is reasonably accurate, AFAIK:  A Licence is required to watch scheduled broadcast TV programs that originate from a licensed TV broadcaster, irrespective of the device or platform being used to view. 

theogster

Ta for the reply  

chewyluis

The safest option is to buy a TV license for your own peace-of-mind. There are too many complicated grey areas, and it's simple not worth the risk of thousands of pounds of fines.

Cornucopia

chewyluis said:

The safest option is to buy a TV license for your own peace-of-mind. There are too many complicated grey areas, and it's simple not worth the risk of thousands of pounds of fines.

That's not really the "Money saving" way, though.

And the fine isn't "thousands of pounds".    

chewyluis

Cornucopia said:

chewyluis said:

The safest option is to buy a TV license for your own peace-of-mind. There are too many complicated grey areas, and it's simple not worth the risk of thousands of pounds of fines.

That's not really the "Money saving" way, though.

And the fine isn't "thousands of pounds".    

A TV license is a lot cheaper than the £1000+ fines. That's money saving in my eyes.

Cornucopia

chewyluis said:

A TV license is a lot cheaper than the £1000+ fines. That's money saving in my eyes.

The fine isn't £1000+, and this is a false premise, anyway.

The average fine in England & Wales was £175 last time I checked, and in Scotland the Fixed Penalty is typically £75.

The legal requirement is to have a Licence, if you need one.   If you don't need one then that's that.  

Your logic seems to be similar to requiring people to have a Driving Licence to walk to the shops.  You don't, and you wouldn't expect to be prosecuted for not having one.

chewyluis

Cornucopia said:

chewyluis said:

A TV license is a lot cheaper than the £1000+ fines. That's money saving in my eyes.

The fine isn't £1000+, and this is a false premise, anyway.

The average fine in England & Wales was £175 last time I checked, and in Scotland the Fixed Penalty is typically £75.

The legal requirement is to have a Licence, if you need one.   If you don't need one then that's that.  

Your logic seems to be similar to requiring people to have a Driving Licence to walk to the shops.  You don't, and you wouldn't expect to be prosecuted for not having one.

https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/topics/detection-and-penalties-top5

The maximum penalty is a £1,000* fine plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.

Neil_Jones

A maximum penalty isn't a target, that's a ceiling figure.  You have to be a real bad boy (a very very bad boy) to get hit with the full £1k.

chewyluis

Neil_Jones said:

A maximum penalty isn't a target, that's a ceiling figure.  You have to be a real bad boy (a very very bad boy) to get hit with the full £1k.

It's still not worth the risk.