Netflix fans have been warned (Image: Getty)
Millions of Netflix fans recently tuned in to a live streaming of a new show – but those in Britain could now be facing a whopping £1,000 fine.
The streaming service giants premiered long running WWE programme Monday Night Raw. From now on, the wrestling show will air live on every single week on Mondays at 1am, and it will be also available on demand.
After the premier, the show landed at number 4 in ’s weekly global TV rankings, with 4.9million live viewers globally.
has almost every historic WWE pay-per-view and premium live event, from WrestleMania and Royal Rumble to more niche events like Rebellion. All NXT TakeOvers, plus select episodes of Raw and SmackDown, are also there – much to the delight of wrestling fans all over the world.
However, those watching in the UK need to take precaution before tuning in. In order to avoid a hefty fine, they should ensure that they have a TV licence beforehand.
TV viewers could be hit with a hefty fine (Image: Getty)
Although you don’t need one to watch content on demand, live broadcasts are another issue. The Gov UK website outlines the strict rules, as it states: “You can be fined up to £1,000 if you watch or record live TV without a TV Licence.”
Daniel McAfee, head of legal operations at Lawhive, previously told MailOnline: “Under UK law, any live television broadcast requires a valid TV Licence, regardless of the streaming platform.”
This requirement extends to all forms of live TV viewing, whether through traditional channels or streaming services. The rule affects many of ‘s 17.1 million UK subscribers who may be unaware of this licensing requirement for live content.
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Monday Night RAW wrestling now live streams on the service (Image: Getty)
TV Licensing employs enforcement officers who carry out checks to ensure compliance. Their website states: “We could visit your address to confirm if you need a TV Licence.
“If we find that you have been watching, recording or streaming programmes illegally, you risk prosecution and a fine for not having a TV Licence of up to £1,000 plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.”
According to the website, a TV Licence currently costs £169.50 per year. But for those struggling with payments, it can be paid in installments.