The BBC is hoping catch TV licence evaders who use the iPlayer (Picture: Getty Images)

The BBC is apparently going to use Wi-Fi detection vans to catch people who don’t pay the TV licence but continue to watch the iPlayer.

The organisation’s new system can establish if someone is watching the online service on a PC, mobile device or laptop, according to the National Audit Office.

It will do this by using data from Wi-Fi networks in private homes.

‘Detection vans can identify viewing on a non-TV device in the same way that they can detect viewing on a television set,’ the report from the National Audit Office said.


MORE: You’ll need a TV licence to watch BBC iPlayer from September

The vans will apparently begin operating in September (Picture: Getty Images)

The BBC’s TV Licensing will start using the vans from September after receiving special permission.



It will coincide with the introduction of the £145.50 TV licence fee for the use of the BBC iPlayer.

The Wi-Fi technology is usually only accessible to security services.

Metro.co.uk has contacted the BBC for a comment.

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