Things are changing in the world of streaming and Netflix users need to take note
It can be confusing enough to know whether you need a TV Licence or not depending on what you watch in the comfort of your own home.
But the goalposts appear to have shifted once again in what we’re sure is an unwelcome head-scratcher for millions out there, given it impacts more than 16 million households.
Paying for your TV Licence is a requirement for countless homes in the United Kingdom because of the kind of content that is being watched. And those who should be paying – and don’t – could find themselves on the receiving end of ‘covert surveillance’ to catch you out in the act of watching the tele.
Now, guidance has been issued on needing a £169.50 a year TV Licence, even if you only watch Netflix.
What do you currently need a TV Licence for?
There’s a couple of reasons behind needing a TV Licence to cover your home.
The main and most obvious is because you watch BBC channels and/or content on BBC iPlayer.
A second reason is if you watch any television while it airs live footage on its channel.
You’ll also need to pay if you record this live TV to enjoy at your leisure.
Confusion for Netflix viewers (Sheldon Cooper/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
When do you currently not need to pay for a TV Licence?
The BBC has been pretty clear in its rules on this for quite some time.
You don’t need a TV Licence is all you do is watch on-demand television from channels that aren’t the BBC.
When we speak about this we might be catching up on Love Island on ITVX or repeats of The Inbetweeners on Channel 4.
It also has been the case if you only watch streaming services too, like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+.
If you watch the iPlayer you must pay for a TV Licence (Carl Court/Getty Images)
What’s changing? And how does it impact Netflix?
With more and more streaming services heading in to the realm of live events, it’s getting a little murky.
Netflix is expanding the kind of content it provides, with the looming boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson being broadcast live on the streaming platform.
There’s also the huge $5 billion (£3.99 billion) deal to bring the WWE to Netflix, which will include weekly live episodes of Raw and Smackdown as well as its traditional pay-per-views (PPVs) such as WrestleMania and SummerSlam.
And just last month, Netflix broadcast The Netflix Slam, a live tennis competition streamed live from Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
It follows in the footsteps of Prime Video, which has broadcast Premier League matches as they happen for the last two seasons.
BBC HQ (Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
What has the BBC said?
The Beeb has issued guidance on what Netflix’s decision to enter the live events market means.
A spokesperson said that a TV Licence ‘is needed to watch live content on streaming services’.
They said: “A TV Licence is needed to watch live content on streaming services, watch or record a TV programme on any channel and when using BBC iPlayer.
“Further information is available on the TV Licensing website or via the customer services team, who can help with any queries.”Featured Image Credit: Sheldon Cooper/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images/Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images