Chromecast Iplayer issue (2024) TV license

Tiiia

Hi, In short, I have a Chromecast, plugged in - I don't watch iPlayer/ cancelled tv licence 2023. The ariel doesn't work good, so we don't watch terrestrial/freeview. 

While away, my kid nephews watched BBC inadvertently via the inbuilt iplayer app on chromecast (can't seem to remove it) and I received an email today from TVL: 

Our records show that you’ve recently used BBC iPlayer. If you're using BBC iPlayer and you are covered by a TV Licence, or you think a mistake has been made, we still need to hear from you.

Seems like a right hassle, for accidently clicking iplayer app on the chromecast for half hr ><

Should I reach out to TVL and explain it was an error in my absence, and I have since deleted my auto-login fully? I hear some say to ignore it, the website mentions fines, others say to not let their agents in for inspection/remove their right to entry etc etc my mother is old now and was originally paying it, so she will probably likely let them in, non the wiser (in case of others in a similar situation).

Thanks in advance, (soz if duplicate) thought I'd ask, what with the different smart tvs/plug gadgets and whatnot.

elsien

Anything here relevant to your situation?
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6551599/accused-of-watching-bbc-iplayer-without-a-tv-licence/p1

Tiiia

elsien said:

Anything here relevant to your situation?
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6551599/accused-of-watching-bbc-iplayer-without-a-tv-licence/p1

Hi, thanks yes I think the gist here is - to ignore it, last thing I need are fines as I've read horror stories from older people having to go to court, it was very unfair for them. Thankyou 🙏 

Cornucopia

I think under the circumstances, I'd be tempted to contact TVL and tell them that they are correct, and iPlayer was used at your premises but it was by visitors during your absence.    I'd be interested in their response to that because (a) it wasn't you, and (b) they have no viable prospect of taking things further under their own rules regarding visitors.

la531983

Cornucopia said:

I think under the circumstances, I'd be tempted to contact TVL and tell them that they are correct, and iPlayer was used at your premises but it was by visitors during your absence.    I'd be interested in their response to that because (a) it wasn't you, and (b) they have no viable prospect of taking things further under their own rules regarding visitors.

I wouldnt even engage with them, its a fishing trip and nothing more.

LightFlare

la531983 said:

Cornucopia said:

I think under the circumstances, I'd be tempted to contact TVL and tell them that they are correct, and iPlayer was used at your premises but it was by visitors during your absence.    I'd be interested in their response to that because (a) it wasn't you, and (b) they have no viable prospect of taking things further under their own rules regarding visitors.

I wouldnt even engage with them, its a fishing trip and nothing more.

It is - but also it isn't -- they know a service has been utilised that requires payment

not familiar with Chromecast - but just to confirm that you DONT usually watch any "live" broadcast programs ?

Technically, a service was used that attracts a cost - however I can't see anything coming from it if its genuinely a one off mistake

elsien

Chromecast is the Google version of a fire stick. You plug it into the TV and stream from a phone. 

Newbie_John

I've had similar issues - could have been kids, also could be visitors. If TVL sent me the dates I would know for sure - with generic email I can only guess.

Anyway, purchased a RokuTV stick and deleted all the BBC like things from the screen leaving just Netflix etc. on.

Also marked on the TVL website that I don't need a license again.

I wanted to contact them and pay for that period but still remember a rude TVL guy who visited my rented accomodation in the past and wanted to check every TV, every room.. we had a license but he wanted to be sure that all my housemates have their licenses.. he wouldn't take NO for answer and I asked him to leave, many times, since then I try to avoid them as much as possible.

LightFlare

elsien said:

Chromecast is the Google version of a fire stick. You plug it into the TV and stream from a phone. 

Thanks - I also dont know about Fire Sticks -- but I guess technically, you could stream a live broadcast from a phone/device to a TV which is why clarification from the OP is maybe needed as to exactly what they are/arent viewing

flaneurs_lobster

elsien said:

Chromecast is the Google version of a fire stick. You plug it into the TV and stream from a phone. 

If it's the newer version (Chromecast with Google TV) then it's like the Firestick, the apps for iPlayer, Netflix etc are built into the device so no need for phone or tablet.

Tiiia

LightFlare said:

la531983 said:

Cornucopia said:

I think under the circumstances, I'd be tempted to contact TVL and tell them that they are correct, and iPlayer was used at your premises but it was by visitors during your absence.    I'd be interested in their response to that because (a) it wasn't you, and (b) they have no viable prospect of taking things further under their own rules regarding visitors.

I wouldnt even engage with them, its a fishing trip and nothing more.

It is - but also it isn't -- they know a service has been utilised that requires payment

not familiar with Chromecast - but just to confirm that you DONT usually watch any "live" broadcast programs ?

Technically, a service was used that attracts a cost - however I can't see anything coming from it if its genuinely a one off mistake

Thanks for your reply- indeed, I don't watch any live shows, mainly YouTube docs, movies, HBO and the such, and haven't watched BBC programming for ages. I looked on iplayer history and saw the kids programmes that triggered it 😤 and as another poster said, iplayer can't be removed from these sticks, which is a pain. Maybe I will wait it out, see if I get another letter from TVL