Netflix Users Could Face a Thousand Pound Fine for Misusing New Feature

Netflix is now adding more live content to its streaming catalogue, including the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight and a reimagined version of the dating show Pop the Balloon.

While you may be excited to watch your favourite shows in real time, doing so could result in a hefty fine.

The issue is that you still need a TV licence to watch live shows, even if they are broadcast on a streaming service such as Netflix.

A TV licence costs £174.50, which has recently increased. 

However, it is still significantly less than the fine you could face for not having one.

'Not paying for a TV licence could result in a £1,000 fine if we discover that you have been watching, recording, or downloading programmes illegally,' TV Licensing states on its website.

'The maximum fine in Guernsey is £2,000. 

"Plus any compensation and/or legal fees you may be required to pay."

Generally speaking, streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ do not require a TV license.

To watch live programming, you need a license regardless of whether you use a streaming service.

TV Licensing explains: "To watch live on streaming services such as ITVX, Channel 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now, Sky Go, Netflix, and Freely, you must have a TV licence."

'You do not need a TV licence if you never watch live TV on any channel, pay TV service, streaming service, or BBC iPlayer.'

That means you won't face a fine if you only use on-demand services, but you will be breaking the rules if you watch a live event.

The annual cost of a TV licence recently increased by £5, rising from £169.50 to £174.50 on April 1.

While you can pay it all at once, most people prefer to spread the cost over time with Direct Debit, which works out to £14.54 per month.

If you do not pay your TV licence, you may face a significant fine.

'We could visit your address to confirm if you require a TV licence,' TV Licensing warned.

'If we discover that you have been watching, recording, or streaming programmes illegally, you face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 for not having a TV licence, plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.'

These guidelines are applicable to all streaming services, including those that can be accessed through the Amazon Fire Stick.

Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV+ are the usual services accessed with this device, though Amazon has recently added a number of live channels.

This includes BBC News, BBC Scotland, BBC Alba, CBBC, CBeebies, BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, and BBC Four.

But just like if you were watching on any other device, you will need a TV license with any of those channels.

Make sure you have the required license in order to avoid being fined if you intend to watch television or live events from the comfort of your own home.