While TV boxes with set-top boxes that allow viewers to stream premium content for free are illegal, the law is not as clear when it comes to other types of TV boxes that use these so-called legal apps. A landmark anti-piracy trial here involved a man who was fined a total of $36,600 in 2019 and last year, while his company, Synnex Trading, was fined $160,800 in 2019 for illegally selling streaming Android TV boxes. The proposed amendments to the Copyright Act also mean that even if retailers sell a “clean” device without the offending streaming apps, but offer to download it as an additional service, or include instructions on how to modify the device to watch shows illegally online, they are likely to break the law. Retailers often tell customers how to download illegal apps to stream unauthorized content to their TVs, such as English Premier League football matches, he added. And for those wondering if Android Tv Box is legal in Singapore: Yes, it is! MinLaw noted that the Copyright Act does not take into account recent technological advances. These include set-top boxes or other streaming devices and services that allow people to access content from illegal sources. “It`s legal, it works, and you don`t have to pay a subscription,” said the employee, who asked not to be named. “We can`t do illegal things.” Download illegal movies from Pirate Bay and go “Hohoho”, that is. Some legal experts believe the changes are not meant to haunt the man in the street. Still, there are fears that they will stifle some public conversations.

The proposed amendments mean that owners of rights to programs or films can take legal action against retailers of these set-top boxes. Individuals can be fined up to S$100,000 or up to five years in prison or both, while companies can be fined up to S$200,000. And if the person refuses to do so, the creator can take legal action to be credited or have the work removed, as well as seek financial compensation from the person if a potential loss of income can be proven. “UBTV resides on the server in Hong Kong and acts as a decoder. So they have already blocked it,” said the aide, who asked not to be named. “(The ATTV box) is still legal because you pay for the box, and movies or live channels will have advertising. They make money through advertising. Two other stores in Sim Lim Square have also sold TVs, which they say are not affected by the ban because pre-installed apps are legal. Android TV boxes are designed as devices that only connect to your TV and allow it to stream or use Google apps available on the Google App Store.

Thence; It is safe and legal to use these devices in Singapore. Currently, the devices themselves are completely legal, as is the software that comes when you buy the device from a reputable retailer. It is the additional software available on the black market or pre-installed through fraudulent sellers of the Android boxes themselves that can lead to legal consequences for users. SINGAPORE – The sale of set-top boxes that provide access to pirated online streams of movies and TV shows will soon be banned, filling loopholes that make it difficult for retailers to circumvent lawsuits. Kodi itself is completely legal, but many “Android TV” boxes contain all sorts of add-ons to Kodi to give you access to illegally distributed content. If your box gives you access to TV or free movies that you would otherwise pay for, it is most likely illegal to sell the box you bought in your jurisdiction. The seller declined to comment after the reporter identified himself. Soon after, another vendor denied that his company was selling UBTV. “We don`t sell the ones that are illegal,” he said. “The current law doesn`t help content owners because there`s nothing illegal about selling `empty` configuration boxes.” Alban Kang, a partner in the intellectual property and technology group at law firm Bird & Bird ATMD, said that while public statistics are not readily available, it appears that only one or two lawsuits have been filed against retailers.

Henry Tan of Astro commented: “We welcome this news from Singapore. Malaysians need to be aware that digital piracy is the biggest threat to the industry and has a negative impact on the economy. Anti-piracy measures combining technology, legal and enforcement measures and consumer education are needed to effectively combat piracy. This means that retailers can use this ambiguity to sell such devices at a profit.