Are letters to 'dodgy stick' viewers a new anti-piracy approach?
Sky has shifted its anti-piracy strategy by sending cease-and-desist letters to users of illegal streaming devices in Ireland. This marks a significant change as previous efforts focused on suppliers rather than users. The move aims to deter illegal streaming, which has significant legal and financial implications for users.
- ▪Sky issued about 200 cease-and-desist letters to suspected illegal stream users in Ireland.
- ▪The company obtained user details through legal action against an illegal supplier.
- ▪FACT contacted over 1,000 individuals in the UK regarding illegal streaming in late 2025.
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Are letters to 'dodgy stick' viewers a new anti-piracy approach?6 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleAuryn CoxandDaniel Logan,BBC News NIGetty ImagesIllegal streams are increasingly being accessed by so called dodgy boxes or dodgy sticksIllegal streams- commonly known as a "dodgy box" or "dodgy stick" - have long been the target of crackdowns by legitimate streaming services and broadcasters.It is estimated illegal streaming costs legitimate companies billions of pounds.Until now enforcement has generally focused on the people supplying the devices rather than those using them.But now Sky - Europe's largest subscription broadcaster - has taken a new approach, bringing the fight into viewers' living rooms.In the past week it issued about 200 cease-and-desist letters to users in…
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