KODI Kodi add-ons face growing pressure

Kodi is one of the biggest success stories of the past few years. This online TV Player has seen a rapid rise in popularity with over 30 million users across the globe. The growing demand is partly down to its ability to install unique add-ons. Kodi is totally legal but some add-ons allow users to view premium content, such as sports and movies, without paying a subscription. It’s these services which have caught the attention of the authorities and it seems the crackdown is beginning to bite. Over the past few months, there have been numerous legal threats against many developers with some now facing huge bills and even time in jail. One current case has seen two popular add-ons taken to court by US broadcaster Dish Network and it could send shockwaves through the add-on community.

Kodi: Ever streamed with Kodi? Here’s what is legal, and what is not Sun, January 21, 2018 With more than one million so-called Kodi Boxes currently in use in the UK, streaming with illicit set-top boxes is becoming hugely-popular. However, a number of changes in the law could bring harsh punishments to those streaming things they shouldn’t. Play slideshow EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS 1 of 15 Kodi: What Is Legal, And What Is Not

TVAddons and ZemTV have been accused of copyright infringement and it seems this legal challenge is causing a major issue for the people behind the software. ZemTV’s developer, Shahjahan Durrani, has recently spoken out about his battle with Dish Network and mounting legal bills he is facing. Talking to TorrentFreak, Shahjahan revealed he has been unable to properly defend himself as he simply can’t afford the mounting costs involved. Without a defence, it could mean the court opts for a default judgment which may leave Durrani facing huge fines and costs. “I was shocked and disappointed, not only by reading that the court dismissed my jurisdiction appeal, they did so with just one sentence. It seems unfair and doesn’t give any confidence to me that the court/judge would be fair,” Durrani told TorrentFreak. “I hope they would let the matter go as the addon code has been taken down for more than a year now.”

It’s currently unclear what the final outcome of the case will be but TVAddons and ZemTV are facing up to $150,000 for each offence. This latest news comes after another service was fined £600,000 by the Premier League for breaching its copyright. Ace Hosting had, until recently, enabled customers to stream Premier League games illegally for a small monthly fee. Along with the huge payment, Ace voluntarily disclosed the personal details of their customers. Liquidators are now in the process of deciding whether to hand over subscribers’ personal details to the Premier League and/or the authorities. It seems these threats and fines are taking their toll on add-on developers with many now shutting their doors on the platform.

PH ZEM TV is facing a legal challenge by Dish Networks in the US