Followed Tv license rules

Mickey666

Cornucopia said:

Mickey666 said:

Something seems odd about this.
Are you absolutely certain that the email is from TVLicencing...? 

This is a known TVL tactic.   It isn't based on tracing IP addresses.  It's based on the same email address appearing in both the No Licence Needed form (or possibly from a previous Licence purchase) and in a BBC ID that is then used to watch iPlayer.   It isn't definitive evidence of evasion (and I'm guessing that the wording of the email doesn't say it is, but merely implies it).

It's all part of the web of mendacity that is BBC TV Licensing.

This is the current MSE official advice.   I've re-read the advice about portable devices and I think it's pretty clear.   But this is the second query about this topic in recent weeks, so perhaps I'm missing something?
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/broadband-and-tv/tv-licence/

Thanks for that explanation.  
Another reason not to use the same email address all over the place.

Cornucopia

A post on another forum suggests this as the wording of one of these emails...

You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch BBC programmes on iPlayer, or to watch or record live TV on any channel, no matter what device you use.   However, you’ve previously told us that you don’t need a TV Licence at XXX, with postcode ending XXX.

Our records show you've used BBC iPlayer on a number of occasions over recent weeks.   As your No Licence Needed status is now invalid, you will need to buy a TV Licence.

It's a masterpiece of weasel wording - only implying evasion, but still insisting that a Licence is required, presumably based on some small print in the Ts & Cs of the No Licence Needed form and/or the BBC ID rather than the law. 

uk1

Is it “over simplifying” to state that in practice it is virtually impossible to be successfully prosecuted for licence evasion if you do not allow a licence salesman into your home or confirm either in writing or under caution that you engage in any activity requiring a licence?

Cornucopia

It's complicated, and for MSE's sake I'm going to phrase my answer in a particular way...

If you are abiding by the "No Licence" rules then there will never be any reason to entertain TVL's "investigation".   It's not in anyone's interests to engage TVL in their fishing expedition approach, and in an ideal world that approach would be unlawful in the absence of a reasonable prior suspicion.  (Maybe it already is, and we just lack the legal resources to prove it?)     No matter what they may say, there is no requirement to prove your innocence to them, and there is no benefit to doing so (only downside).

There are various lawful responses to TVL:  ignore them if they call, open the door and then shut it immediately, play their own "ID yourself" game against them, decline to be interviewed under caution, refuse to answer any questions, decline to give/confirm your name, ask for a solicitor to be present, refuse to sign anything.     These are all strong rights in law, and there is nothing TVL can do in their routine activities to counter them.    Any/all of these steps will prevent a prosecution, and it is your right to use them, most especially if you are innocent to start with. 

Chino

Scv1 said:

The MSE advise was that you are allowed to watch it through your phone as long as it’s not plugged in to a power socket at the time.

Was it?

A rule that came into force in September 2016 means you need a licence to legally use BBC iPlayer, even if you're only watching catch-up TV.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/broadband-and-tv/tv-licence/#needtoknow-2

elsien

It’s not weasel words in this case though, is it, because the OP had been watching iPlayer. And if I recall correctly you have to tick a box confirming you do have a licence as part of the registration. 

Cornucopia

elsien said:

It’s not weasel words in this case though, is it, because the OP had been watching iPlayer. And if I recall correctly you have to tick a box confirming you do have a licence as part of the registration. 

The email doesn't know whether the allegation is valid, so it shouldn't assume.    I did say in my first reply that it seemed justified in this case.

I'm not sure how the BBC ID works if you don't have a Licence.   I keep meaning to sign up to use BBC Sounds, but never seem to get round to it.

uk1

Thanks.
My presumption is that TVL cannot prosecute a case if they simply “strongly suspect” that a person has breached the law but must know that thry can “prove beyond a reasonable doubt”.  I’m struggling to think of a single piece of evidence they could secure without the cooperation of the suspect?

elsien

They probably couldn’t. 

I’m just finding it slightly disingenuous of the OP to be claiming ignorance when registering with iPlayer does make it clear you do need a licence and asks you to tick a box confirming it. 

uk1

Yes, you're welcome to judge others and disapprove of anything you wish.  I was asking a general unrelated question.