Sky and other major streamers have vowed to ‘end’ widespread evasion of subscription charges in 2026
Joe O’Shea and dublinlive Administrator
07:22, 02 Jan 2026
Stock image(Image: Getty)
Sky TV and other leading streaming and digital television providers have pledged to ‘eliminate’ rampant subscription fee dodging by 2026 – deploying cutting-edge data analytics to achieve this goal.
Sky has been in talks with the Data Protection Commission, Ireland’s privacy watchdog overseeing personal data collection and usage, regarding how they can harness information gathered from multiple sources to tackle piracy rings, suppliers of illicit streaming gadgets, and their customers – estimated to include up to 400,000 Irish households. A countrywide crackdown last August saw targeted operations across Munster networks.
The broadcasting behemoth hasn’t revealed specifics about the data it seeks to utilise – though sources suggest this encompasses private detectives collecting intelligence on dodgy box and Firestick users through WhatsApp channels that distribute these devices. Intelligence gathering may also focus on properties with high-speed internet connections that don’t appear subscribed to streaming platforms like Amazon, Disney, Apple and others.
Sky’s privacy policy makes no mention of data harvested via WhatsApp groups – however, it does confirm Sky conducts ‘social listening’ across social media posts and online forums. The policy declares Sky employs personal data “to prevent and detect fraud and protect or enforce our or any third party’s rights” and “to prevent and detect crime”.
If the Data Commissioners rule that Sky and other firms can utilise data within GDPR guidelines, Sky could swiftly revise its terms of use and privacy policies, reports Cork Beo.
The Data Commissioners have suggested that it might be feasible for Sky to handle personal data, provided it strictly adheres to the stringent EU GDPR/data protection laws. Comprehensive guidance is anticipated to be released soon.
Dodgy boxes are big business (Image: Daily Mirror)
It’s believed that Sky and other providers are considering expanding their efforts to combat the misuse of dodgy boxes, which costs the industry tens of millions annually in pirated subscriptions in Ireland.
Until now, no action has been taken against individual users and households. The Gardai have primarily focused on large commercial operators and criminal gangs operating illegal streaming setups.
Pubs and large venues using these devices to access services like Sky Sports are regularly prosecuted.
Industry insiders predict that the Data Protection Commission will clarify how Sky and other companies can use personal data sometime in the New Year. This decision could be a ‘game-changer’ in the escalating battle against illegal streaming.
Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.