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Authorities are intensifying efforts to combat the employ of illegal streaming devices, commonly known as “dodgy boxes,” with a potential penalty point system under consideration for repeat offenders. The crackdown comes as estimates suggest as many as 400,000 households in Ireland are utilizing these devices to access premium content, such as live sports and movie channels, without authorized subscriptions.
The issue gained renewed attention on Wednesday, February 21, 2026, following reports that broadcasters, including Sky and Virgin Media, are actively exploring methods to identify and penalize users of these illicit streaming services. Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor at the Irish Independent, highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in pursuing cases related to dodgy boxes, citing the complexity and time-consuming nature of formal prosecution through the courts.
“The means of prosecuting the usage of these devices is too onerous,” Weckler stated in a Newstalk interview. He explained that, unlike some other European countries, Ireland requires a full court prosecution before fines can be levied, a process that can take months and is often deemed impractical.
The current landscape involves a supply chain where individuals acquire the boxes and then pay a monthly fee, typically between five and ten euros, for access to streamed content via platforms like WhatsApp or Facebook. Weckler noted that identifying both the suppliers and the end-users presents a significant hurdle for authorities.
Virgin Media Ireland, a subsidiary of Liberty Global, is among the companies pushing for stricter measures. According to Wikipedia, Virgin Media Ireland is the largest digital cable television provider in the country, offering broadband internet, digital television, and mobile phone services to approximately one million customers as of December 31, 2014. The company’s main competitors in the Irish pay TV market include Sky Ireland, Eir, and Vodafone Ireland.
The potential implementation of a penalty point system is being modeled on approaches adopted in other European nations, where a more streamlined process for identifying and fining users has proven effective. However, the legal framework in Ireland currently presents obstacles to replicating such systems.
Discussions are ongoing between law enforcement, broadcasters, and government officials to explore potential legislative changes that would facilitate the prosecution of dodgy box users. As of February 21, 2026, no formal announcement regarding the implementation of a penalty point system has been made, and the legal complexities remain a significant challenge.
