License fee police may target UK users for watching TV on Net

According to the Daily Mail, UK viewers who watch television only through their computers could be forced to pay the licence fee, it has been revealed.

Currently, those who solely use catch-up services, such as the BBC's iPlayer, do not need to pay the annual £139.50 charge.

But a law could be introduced to change this, amid growing evidence that more television viewers are migrating online.

... Research showed that 40 per cent of students in halls of residence used a laptop as their main way to watch TV.

The study also admitted that some people might 'forgo live television entirely' by watching catch-up services - such as the iPlayer.

The report said: 'Legislative change is likely to be required in order to reflect technology changes in the licence fee regulations.'

emily | 8:59 AM | News |
The Permanent Link to this page is: http://www.textually.org/tv/archives/2009/04/023182.htm