NETFLIX viewers have been given an urgent TV license warning as watching one weekly program could see millions of Britons fined £1,000.
The streaming service recently changed its content offering and became the exclusive home of WWE’s flagship weekly wrestling program in the UK earlier this month.
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Netflix users in the UK have been warned they could be fined if they watch live streams without a TV licenseCredit: Alamy
Live episodes of WWE’s Raw began airing on Netflix on January 7 and continue to air every Tuesday at 1am.
Although Netflix subscribers already pay for the streaming service, there are concerns that watching live streams could be penalized in the UK.
Legal experts have warned that any form of live broadcasting in Britain requires a TV license under the law, regardless of which platform the viewer is using.
Netflix has expanded into live content in the past few years, streaming televised events like Chris Rock’s stand-up show in 2023 and the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight last November.
Since most of Netflix’s content is on-demand rather than live, most of its subscribers probably won’t need a TV license to use the service.
However, if you’re interested in watching any live content on the platform, including WWE’s Raw shows, you’ll need a UK TV license to watch the broadcast.
Daniel McAfee, head of legal operations at Lawhive, confirmed: “Under UK law, any live television broadcast requires a valid TV licence, regardless of the streaming platform.”
As Netflix continues to expand into live streaming, viewers will need to be careful to make sure they don’t run afoul of licensing laws.
WWE Raw debuted on Netflix earlier this month with a show that featured stars such as The Rock, John Cena and reigning Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
Episodes air every Monday night in the US, meaning the show is shown to UK viewers early on Tuesdays at 1am.
Netflix will also stream WWE’s NXT and SmackDown shows live each week.
If you watch any of these live broadcasts without a TV licence, you risk being fined potentially thousands of pounds.
Those who break the licensing law can face fines of up to £1,000 and those living in Guernsey face fines of up to £2,000.
Although you cannot be jailed for avoiding a TV licence, court fines arising from non-payment could land you in jail.
How to legally watch TV without paying a license
You can legally use the following services without a TV license as long as you don’t use them to watch or stream live TV:
- On Demand TV – such as catch-up TV and on-demand viewing, available through services including ITV Player, All 4, My5, BT Vision/BT TV, Virgin Media, Sky Go, Now TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku and Amazon Fire TV. You cannot watch or download programs on BBC iPlayer without a TV licence.
- Movies on demand – from services such as Sky, Virgin Media, BT Vision, Netflix and Amazon Instant Video.
- Recorded movies and programs – either via DVD or Blu-ray or downloaded from the Internet.
- YouTube – Non-live video clips from services such as YouTube.
Attorney Daniel advised viewers to “stay informed about licensing changes as streaming platforms expand their live streaming offerings.”
While permit enforcement officers can carry out checks to ensure compliance, tenants are under no “legal obligation” to let them into their home.
Inspectors require a restraining order or search warrant to enter your home, and many authorities now use signal scanners and other pieces of technology to try to track down fugitives.
The cost of a standard TV license will rise by £5 to £174.50 in April, although other groups get subsidized prices.
If you are over 75 and receive pension credit or live with a partner who receives it, you are entitled to a free TV licence.
Those living in care homes or supported accommodation who are retired and over 60 or disabled can get their license for just £7.50.
A 50 percent discount is available to those who are registered blind or live with someone who is.
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Netflix began weekly streams of WWE’s flagship program Raw Credits: AFP earlier in January
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