Netflix viewers sent Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson live stream warning as they risk fine

Netflix fans have been sent a warning ahead of the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight set to be streamed on the platform.

The exclusive live broadcast of the prize fight on Netflix is scheduled for the early hours of Friday, November 16, UK time.

Yet, simply being a paid subscriber to Netflix won't shield viewers from the risk of a potential fine when tuning in to watch.

A legal expert has issued a reminder to those eager to watch the Paul vs Tyson showdown live to ensure you have a TV licence, otherwise you could be slapped with a hefty fine.

The current price for a standard TV licence is £159 annually, available via the official TV Licensing website, and it authorises live television viewing on any device, keeping viewers within the bounds of UK law. Streaming service users, including those on Netflix or Disney+, might have skipped getting a licence, thinking it unnecessary.

Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive, has emphasised the importance of staying informed to avoid legal repercussions and hefty fines.

This advice isn't just pertinent for Netflix subscribers keen on the boxing event but also applies to those who have been watching Premier League and Champions League games on Amazon Prime, reports the Mirror.

McAfee clarified: "For standard, on-demand content such as TV series, films, or other non-live programming on Netflix, a TV licence is not required. However, once the platform offers a live broadcast, the legal landscape shifts significantly."

"Under UK law, any live television broadcast requires a valid TV licence, regardless of the streaming platform-this includes Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. Even if the live broadcast appears on a subscription-based service that otherwise only offers on-demand content, the rule applies."

"The law is comprehensive and applies equally to internet-based live streams as it does to traditional television."

Viewers who don't have a licence but stream the fight live anyway, could be putting themselves at risk of a fine and even a criminal record.

McAfee added: "Penalties for watching live broadcasts without a valid TV licence are substantial. Individuals caught watching live content without a licence could face fines up to £1,000. Additionally, the Licensing Authority may prosecute, which can lead to a criminal record."

He also reminds viewers that TV licence enforcement officers are permitted to visit properties, but occupiers are under no legal obligation to grant them entry. Access to inspect for a valid licence requires either an injunction or a search warrant.

However, these same officers increasingly rely on technology solutions, such as signal scanners and other tech-enabled tools, to detect potential evasion without requiring physical entry to a property.

"As streaming platforms explore live content, it's possible that demand for TV licences could rise. This shift may lead to more prosecutions for unlicensed viewing if users are unaware of their obligations. Streaming platforms like Netflix hold a potential responsibility to inform subscribers of licensing laws, especially as live content becomes more integrated into their offerings."

Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson is streaming live on Netflix from approx. 1am GMT, November 16

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