PEOPLE SUSPECTED OF using internet protocol television (IPTV) services, or ‘dodgy boxes’, have been sent cease-and-desist letters from Sky, as it seeks to crack down on the illegal practice.

The vast majority of the individuals who have been served letters are in Co Wexford, but others live in counties Carlow, Clare, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Donegal, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford and Wicklow.

Revolut was ordered by the High Court in March to expose those who paid for an illegal IPTV subscription using its platform.

Dodgy boxes offer discounted access to thousands of channels and movies on demand.

Instead of paying a monthly fee to a television provider or streaming service, dodgy box users pay an upfront fee to another person to obtain a box (or USB stick) that plugs into their TV, then an annual fee to access the service.

In the letter from Sky, those suspected of using dodgy boxes were told to “immediately stop any involvement with illegal IPTV”. They must confirm they have done so by signing a legally-binding form and returning it by email or by post to Sky’s anti-piracy unit.

“If you follow these steps, Sky will resolve this matter without escalation to court proceedings, provided that you continue to comply with the attached undertakings,” they were told.

Sky is “fully prepared” to take further legal action against those who don’t engage within 14 days.

“This may include seeking an injunction, damages arising from the infringement, and recovery of legal costs,” a spokesperson said.

Sky said illegal streaming “is not a victimless crime”.

“It damages jobs, drains investment from the Irish creative industries, and places viewers at risk,” it said.

“It also puts money into the hands of criminals.”