DUBLIN, Ireland: Sky TV Ireland will receive the names and addresses of more than 300 "dodgy box" users in its continuing efforts to tackle illegal streaming of its content, the High Court has heard.
Sky UK Ltd, along with related companies, asked the court for a "Norwich Pharmacal" order. This type of order requires a third party to disclose information so that legal action can be taken.
Judge Brian Cregan approved the request and ordered Revolut Bank UAB to give details of 304 customers and 10 resellers who sent money to illegal streaming sellers.
A lawyer for Sky said the information will be used to take legal action against the resellers and some users, though it would not be possible to sue all 304 people. Revolut said it does not oppose the request and will provide the data securely within 28 days.
The case is linked to an earlier investigation into David Dunbar, who ran an illegal streaming service called IPTV is Easy. He sold subscriptions for 80 to 100 euros per year, and most payments were made to his Revolut account.
Much of his customer data was lost or destroyed. He was fined 30,000 euros for failing to follow court orders and agreed to pay about 480,000 euros for copyright violations.
Records showed he received around 118,992 euros from resellers and over 70,000 euros from users over about three and a half years. Investigators found 12 resellers and 304 customers had paid through Revolut, and legal action has already started against two resellers.
Since Sky could not identify these people, it asked Revolut for help, a request that required a court order. Investigators also found that at least five resellers are still selling the illegal service.
Illegal streaming tends to increase during major sports events such as Premier League matches, Formula 1 races, and major golf tournaments. Sky wants to act quickly against the remaining resellers before the football season ends.
Sky said piracy affects many companies, and other broadcasters, such as Premier Sports, GAA+, LOITV, and Clubber TV, support the case.
The judge said the information from Revolut can only be used to start legal cases against the suspected offenders and for no other purpose.
